Een bedelende oude vrouw 1683 - 1733

Bernard Picart created this small drawing of an old begging woman with pen and brown ink in the early 18th century, a period marked by significant social stratification and economic disparity. Picart's depiction invites us to consider the lives of those marginalized by society. The woman’s clothing, the begging bowl, and her outstretched hand speak volumes about her socio-economic status and her dependence on the charity of others. But what is her story? What series of events led her to this position? The drawing also presents a moment of intersection between the woman and those she is begging from. How do we interpret the expressions on the faces of the other figures, their body language? Do they represent indifference, pity, or perhaps even a sense of guilt? Picart captures a raw, unfiltered view of a society grappling with issues of poverty, inequality, and social responsibility. This drawing resonates today, urging us to reflect on how we engage with those in need and the systems that perpetuate social inequality.