The Blind Beggar 1882

Jules Bastien-Lepage made this painting, The Blind Beggar, during the late 19th century. It is an image that speaks to the stark realities of poverty and disability in rural France, a theme that recurs in Bastien-Lepage’s work. Here, we see a young, sightless boy resting against a weathered wall with his dog. His bare feet and tattered clothes, tell of hardship and vulnerability. The boy's blindness, emphasized by his closed eyes, raises questions about social structures and the lack of support for the marginalized. The presence of the dog, perhaps his only companion and means of support, underscores the dependence of the disabled on charity and the kindness of others. By delving into the archives of the period, we can uncover the policies and social attitudes that shaped the lives of people with disabilities. Bastien-Lepage's painting isn't just a depiction of a beggar; it's a mirror reflecting the social conscience, or lack thereof, of his time.