Bedelaar met omgedraaide hoed c. 1750 - 1800

This work, ‘Beggar with an Upturned Hat’ by G. van Citters, is an etching of modest dimensions that captures our attention through its stark simplicity and the subtle play of light and shadow. The composition is dominated by the figure of a beggar, rendered in delicate lines that define his humble attire and hopeful gaze. The artist’s technique creates a texture that speaks to the material conditions of the subject’s life. Note how the light reflects off the upturned hat, the focal point of the work, drawing our eyes to the very symbol of the beggar's livelihood. The beggar's vulnerability is presented without sentimentality, inviting us to reflect on broader social and economic structures. This etching serves as a semiotic marker, revealing how artistic representation engages with themes of poverty and social commentary, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about society.