Bedelaar leunend op een stok 1630 - 1700

This is an etching of a beggar leaning on a stick, made by an anonymous artist. The image invites us to reflect on the lives of the marginalized and the ways in which poverty and disability intersect. The portrayal of beggars in art provides a glimpse into the social hierarchies and moral attitudes of the time. The image evokes empathy for the individual's plight. What does it mean to represent someone who is not part of the dominant narrative? The image shows a man who is both supported and constrained by his stick, which becomes a symbol of his dependence and resilience. The absence of a known artist shifts the focus from individual genius to the collective experience of poverty and marginalization. The act of depicting a beggar, regardless of the artist's intentions, challenges conventional notions of beauty and worth. The viewer is left with a sense of unease, a recognition of the systemic issues that perpetuate inequality.