Vrouwsbuste in profiel naar links en voorstelling met bedelaars op krukken 1620 - 1664

This is an engraving whose artist and exact date remain unknown; it resides today in the Rijksmuseum. It depicts two distinct scenes: a woman's bust in profile, facing left, and a gathering of beggars on crutches. The woman, adorned with a head covering, embodies a classical aesthetic that reflects the period's fascination with antiquity, yet it simultaneously upholds certain ideals of female beauty and representation. In stark contrast, the depiction of beggars introduces a raw, unflinching look at poverty. It raises questions about societal hierarchies and the marginalization of certain groups. What does it mean to pair an idealized image of a woman with a scene of destitution? Perhaps the contrast invites reflection on the complex interplay of beauty, suffering, and social inequality. It also emphasizes the need to develop alternative narratives. The print leaves us to ponder the stories of those often unseen, encouraging a deeper engagement with the emotional and personal dimensions of societal disparities.