Twee oude bedelaars met elkaar in gesprek Possibly 1638 - 1665

This engraving by Salomon Savery from the 17th century depicts two old beggars in conversation. The print was made using a technique called etching, where the artist covers a metal plate with a waxy, protective layer, draws an image into it with a needle, and then immerses the plate in acid. The acid bites into the exposed lines, leaving an impression that can then be inked and printed. The linear quality of the etching beautifully renders the rough textures of the beggars' tattered clothing and weathered faces. Notice how Savery uses dense clusters of lines to create shadows and volume, giving depth to the figures. The stark contrast of light and dark emphasizes the harsh realities of poverty. Prints like this were relatively inexpensive, which meant they could be widely distributed. In the 17th century, there was a growing interest in depicting everyday life, including the lives of the poor. Savery’s choice of subject matter, combined with the accessibility of printmaking, underscores how art can reflect and comment on social issues, blurring the lines between artistry, social commentary, and craft.