Two Beggars (Les deux mendiants) 

Alphonse Legros created this etching, Two Beggars, in the late 19th or early 20th century. Legros made the plight of the poor a central theme in his art. The artist's focus on the worn figures of an elderly couple offers a glimpse into the lives of those marginalized by society. The woman's head covering hints at a life of modesty, if not poverty, and invites us to consider the gendered experiences of hardship, and the traditional roles imposed on women. The man’s bare feet and the walking stick that props him up speaks to a life of manual labor. Legros lived through times of significant social change. His art often presents not only an observation of society, but also a subtle critique of the inequalities he witnessed. Reflecting on this image, we’re confronted with questions about the dignity of labor, the visibility of poverty, and the narratives we construct around those who are less fortunate.