Beggar with Wooden Leg, after Callot c. 19th century

Editor: This is Adrian Ludwig Richter's "Beggar with Wooden Leg, after Callot." It's a drawing, and I'm struck by how the figure, though burdened, still has a touch of theatrical flair with that feathered hat. What symbols do you see at play here? Curator: The figure's tattered clothing and wooden leg immediately signify hardship, but that flamboyant hat… it hints at a cultural memory of dignity, perhaps even defiance, amidst adversity. Consider also the crutches – they support him, yes, but also visually echo the missing limb, a constant reminder of loss. Editor: So, the image becomes a complex statement about resilience and societal memory? Curator: Precisely. Richter, through Callot's influence, taps into archetypes of suffering and survival, asking us to consider how we represent – and remember – those on the margins. It's a powerful blend of pathos and perhaps, a touch of irony. Editor: I see it now. Thanks for pointing out those symbolic layers. Curator: My pleasure.