One-Eyed Beggar Woman, after Callot c. 19th century

Editor: This is Adrian Ludwig Richter's "One-Eyed Beggar Woman, after Callot." It seems like a straightforward drawing, but there's a lot of emotion packed into those lines. What do you see in this piece that speaks to its historical context? Curator: Well, the reference to Callot is crucial. Callot's images of the marginalized were widely circulated and became deeply embedded in the public's consciousness. Richter's "after Callot" suggests an engagement with that tradition. How does it function as social commentary? Editor: I guess it's about who gets represented and how? About giving a face to those often ignored by society? Curator: Precisely. It also speaks to the Romantic era's fascination with the "picturesque" poor. Does this image challenge or reinforce existing social hierarchies? Editor: I see, it's more complex than just a simple depiction. Thanks, I'll definitely consider this when writing about the artwork.