Reverse and Reduced Copy of La Mendiante aux Béquilles (The Female Beggar with Crutches), from Les Gueux suite appelée aussi Les Mendiants, Les Baroni, ou Les Barons (The Beggars, also called the Barons) 1625 - 1700

This is an anonymous reverse and reduced copy of “La Mendiante aux Béquilles (The Female Beggar with Crutches),” part of “Les Gueux” series. The series, whose title translates to “The Beggars,” offers a glimpse into the lives of marginalized individuals. During this period, images of beggars were common. Often these images served not just as simple depictions, but were loaded with social and moral commentary. This work challenges the traditional representations of disability. Rather than portraying the woman as simply pitiable, the artist captures her with a sense of dignity and resilience. The use of crutches is not a sign of weakness, but an assertion of her ability to navigate a world that often overlooks her. What does it mean to look at an image of someone on the margins of society? How does our gaze shape their identity, and how do they, in turn, challenge our perceptions? This print invites us to reflect on the relationship between representation, identity, and the lived experiences of those often unseen.