Soldaat met baard en bedelaar 1620 - 1664

This is an etching entitled "Soldaat met baard en bedelaar" made by an anonymous artist. The composition is divided into two distinct parts, each offering a character study rendered with remarkable detail. On the left, we see a soldier, depicted in profile. The artist’s lines capture the texture of his beard and the metallic gleam of his armor. To the right, a beggar stands cloaked, leaning on a staff. Note how the use of line varies; tight and controlled for the soldier's form, looser and more gestural for the beggar. This contrast isn't just stylistic, it's structural. This etching invites us to consider themes of power, vulnerability, and social commentary. The contrast between the figures serves to highlight the social hierarchy of the time, inviting reflection on the structures that govern human experience.