Sly Beggar, Seated c. 17th century

Editor: This is "Sly Beggar, Seated" by Jacques Callot. It’s undated, but Callot lived in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. It's a print, and there's something about the man's expression that feels knowing. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Callot’s beggars, often reproduced, raise questions about the representation of poverty and its consumption by wealthier audiences. Were these images meant to evoke empathy, or to serve as cautionary tales? How did Callot's prints function within the social hierarchy of the time? Editor: So, it's not just about depicting a beggar, but about the role that image plays in society? Curator: Exactly. And consider the title "Sly Beggar." It suggests a judgement, positioning the viewer in a particular relationship to the subject. Food for thought! Editor: That definitely gives me a different perspective. Thanks!