Reverse Copy of Le Malingreux (The Sickly Man), from Les Gueux suite appelée aussi Les Mendiants, Les Baroni, ou Les Barons (The Beggars, also called the Barons) 1625 - 1700

This print, Reverse Copy of Le Malingreux, of a sickly man or beggar, is a product of metal plate engraving. The image is incised into a metal plate, likely copper, using a tool called a burin. Look closely, and you'll notice the network of fine lines that describe the figure, his tattered clothing and the begging bowl at his side. The varying depth and density of these lines create areas of light and shadow, giving the image its form and texture. The engraver would have had to apply considerable pressure to the burin to create these lines, a labor-intensive process requiring precision and control. Prints like this were relatively inexpensive to produce and distribute, making them a popular medium for disseminating images and ideas in early modern Europe. This particular print speaks to the social realities of the time, depicting a figure marginalized by poverty and illness. By understanding the materials and processes involved in its making, we can better appreciate the print not only as a work of art, but also as a social document that reflects the lives and concerns of people from the past.