Bedelaar met opgehouden hoed en wandelstok 1844

Charles Jacque made this etching, "Beggar with hat and walking stick," using metal plates, acid, and ink. Look closely, and you can see how the etching process allows for incredibly fine lines, capturing the texture of the beggar's worn clothes and weathered face. The artist would have painstakingly drawn the image into a wax coating on the plate, then dipped it in acid to bite away the exposed metal. The depth of the lines dictated how much ink they’d hold. The final print then depended on the amount of pressure applied during printing, in turn influencing the tonal range and visual impact. The print is small but powerful, and reminds us of the labor involved not only in its making, but also in the life of the man it portrays. Jacque prompts us to consider the social conditions that create such stark disparities in wealth and opportunity. The image is a reminder that art can be a powerful tool for social commentary, bridging the gap between the studio and the world around us.