Beggars asking for alms 1635 - 1675

Jacques Dassonville made this etching, "Beggars asking for alms," sometime in the mid-17th century. The image is made through etching, a printmaking process where lines are incised into a metal plate with acid, then inked and pressed onto paper. Here, the intricate network of lines creates shading and texture, bringing the scene to life with surprising detail given its diminutive size. The print depicts the artist's contemporary society, and focuses on the fringes of the economic system. The image reveals a social reality often ignored, and offers a stark reminder of the human cost of economic inequality. The level of detail—the ragged clothing, the pleading expressions—suggests Dassonville's keen observation and a desire to convey the subjects' humanity. Ultimately, Dassonville's etching serves as a powerful example of how a traditional craft can shed light on pressing social issues. It challenges us to consider the role of art as a mirror reflecting the complexities and inequalities of society.