Two Fighting Beggars 1612 - 1616

Jacques Bellange created this print, "Two Fighting Beggars," using the etching process sometime between 1600 and 1616. Etching involves coating a metal plate with wax, scratching an image into the wax, and then bathing the plate in acid, which bites away at the exposed metal. Here, Bellange used etching to render a scene of conflict. Note the beggar on the right, who carries a hurdy-gurdy. The intricate decorations on the instrument show Bellange's skill with the etching needle. The density of the etched lines creates a sense of shadow, adding drama to the composition. Bellange's choice of etching, a relatively inexpensive process, allowed for the wide distribution of his images. This print offers a glimpse into the lives of the poor and marginalized, making visible those who were often overlooked in the art of the period. By focusing on the material and making of this print, we gain a deeper understanding of its social and cultural context.