The Beggars c. 1510

Lucas van Leyden's "The Beggars" is a powerful engraving created around 1510, depicting the harsh realities of poverty. The artwork showcases three figures, a man and a woman sitting on the ground, seemingly destitute, while another man approaches them, begging with a bowl in hand. The detail in the figures' expressions, their ragged clothing, and the desolate setting creates a poignant image of desperation and hardship. Van Leyden, a renowned master of printmaking, expertly uses linework and shading to convey depth and texture, making this a compelling visual commentary on social inequality.