Beggar in Profile 1787

Jean-Pierre Norblin de la Gourdaine made this etching, Beggar in Profile, in 1789. The image offers a glimpse into the social realities of late 18th-century France, a period marked by stark economic disparities. The image is composed of a lone, poor figure. The beggar's weathered appearance and simple clothes are emphasized by the economy of line. Norblin, however, was not merely depicting a scene; he was commenting on the social structures of his time. The French Revolution, which began in the same year this print was made, was fueled by widespread poverty and inequality. Art institutions in France at the time played a role in perpetuating a conservative social and political order. Understanding this etching involves looking into parish records, economic data, and political pamphlets from the era. These sources enrich our understanding, revealing how art reflects and responds to its social and institutional context.