Beggar man and woman behind a bank 1753 - 1808

David Deuchar etched this print of a beggar man and woman behind a bank, now at the Rijksmuseum. See how the figures are leaning on sticks; this timeless symbol speaks to the human condition of reliance and support, both physical and metaphorical. Consider the recurring motif of the walking stick throughout art history. From ancient Egyptian depictions of pharaohs holding staffs as emblems of power, to humble shepherds relying on them for guidance, the stick transcends cultures. In this etching, it’s a stark symbol of reliance and vulnerability, reflecting the figures' state of poverty. The stooped posture of the figures evokes a sense of weariness and resignation. We can see the stick as a means to deal with the emotional and psychological burdens of their existence. It is a poignant reminder of how symbols and gestures can convey intense emotional states and cultural memories, engaging viewers on a subconscious level.