Head of a Beggar (Tete de mendiant) 

Alphonse Legros created this artwork, Head of a Beggar, using etching. The piece is dominated by strong contrasts of light and shadow, immediately drawing your eye to the profile of the man, his face etched with lines suggesting age and hardship. The darkness around him seems to swallow the figure, isolating him in his condition. Legros’s mastery in etching brings forth a compelling study of form and texture. The lines vary in weight and density, creating a rich surface that conveys the roughness of the beggar's skin and beard. The overall composition, with the subject’s head taking up a significant portion of the space, directs us to the man's expression: a mix of weariness and quiet dignity. It's hard to miss how the structured use of dark and light emphasizes the social themes prevalent in much 19th-century art, where the representation of the poor often served as a commentary on societal inequalities. The formal qualities of this artwork and their impact are a testament to Legros's skill in using the medium to invite reflection.