Oude bedelares met kind op de arm 1832 - 1885

Rodolphe Bresdin sketched this delicate drawing of an old beggar woman with a child, using pen and black ink. The composition is dominated by the figure of the woman, whose form fills the frame from the bottom of her bare foot to the top of her turban. Her face is cast with a shadow, emphasizing her downward gaze. The lines are used sparingly, yet they effectively convey the weight of her garments and the child she carries. The blank space around her adds to the feeling of isolation. Bresdin's choice of subject matter and his approach reflect his sympathies towards the marginalized members of society. The visible pen strokes and the somewhat raw quality of the sketch do not idealize the subject but instead present it with an honest, unvarnished realism. The drawing thus becomes more than just a depiction, it serves as a commentary on social inequality. Note how Bresdin has used the structure of the lines to convey both form and emotional depth. This is a hallmark of his graphic work and aligns with broader concerns about representation and social commentary.