Twee bedelaars 1877

"Twee bedelaars" (Two Beggars) is a black and white etching by French sculptor Alexandre Falguière, created in 1877. The artwork depicts two young boys, one seated and one standing, both dressed in rags and carrying staffs. The etching's stark realism captures the plight of poverty in 19th-century France, with the boys' weary expressions and tattered clothing suggesting a life of hardship. Falguière's attention to detail in their features and posture creates a sense of empathy for their situation, prompting viewers to consider the social realities of the time.