Krüppel und Bettler werden gespeist und getränkt 

Pieter Cornelisz Kunst created this drawing, "Cripples and Beggars Being Fed and Given Drink," offering a glimpse into the social dynamics of 16th-century life. Kunst, working during the Northern Renaissance, situates this act of charity within a specific cultural and religious context. In this period, the act of giving alms was not only a moral imperative but also a means of reinforcing social hierarchies. While appearing compassionate, the scene subtly highlights the power dynamics between the givers and the receivers. Consider how this act of charity plays into notions of piety, and how that might affect one's place in society. The act of providing sustenance is a way of managing poverty, maintaining social order, and reinforcing ideas about who deserves help and who doesn't. The drawing presents a complicated view of compassion and inequality during the Renaissance. It prompts us to consider how acts of kindness are always shaped by the society around them.