Bedelende zieke man voor een stadspoort 1547

Hans Holbein the Younger created this miniature print depicting a 'Begging Sick Man Before a City Gate,' using the stark lines of engraving to convey a scene of profound destitution. Notice how Holbein employs a rigorous geometry; the sharp angles of the city gate and the fractured form of the beggar create a sense of unease. The meticulous hatching suggests depth but also traps the figure within its graphic confines. This use of line and form is not merely representational, but evokes the harsh realities and moral fault lines of 16th-century society. Consider the architectural backdrop and its role in the overall composition, how might it reflect the social structures and power dynamics of the time? Holbein uses architectural elements to frame the figure, thereby prompting questions about who is included and who is excluded from society.