Cushion : The beggars of New York
Home Decor from Mary Evans Picture Library
The beggars of New York
Cynical view of New York beggars who apparently pretend to be blind and hire babies to attract more sympathy, then go home or to the nearest eatery for a slap-up dinner. Date: 1886
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Media ID 7192323
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10505216
1886 Attract Babies Beggars Blind Cynical False Hire Homeless Homelessness Itinerant Pretend Sympathy
Cushion
Refresh your home decor with a beautiful full photo 16"x16" (40x40cm) cushion, complete with cushion pad insert. Printed on both sides and made from 100% polyester with a zipper on the bottom back edge of the cushion cover. Care Instructions: Warm machine wash, do not bleach, do not tumble dry. Warm iron inside out. Do not dry clean.
Accessorise your space with decorative, soft cushions
Estimated Product Size is 40cm x 40cm (15.7" x 15.7")
These are individually made so all sizes are approximate
Artwork printed orientated as per the preview above, with landscape (horizontal) or portrait (vertical) orientation to match the source image.
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph, taken in New York City in 1886, captures a cynical side of urban life that was all too common during the late 19th century. The image portrays a group of itinerant beggars, who, in an attempt to elicit greater sympathy and generosity from passersby, pretend to be blind and hire babies to accompany them. The use of children, who are not related to them, adds an alarming dimension to their deception. The scene unfolds on a bustling city street, with the towering buildings and horse-drawn carriages in the background serving as a stark reminder of the stark contrast between wealth and poverty in America at the time. The beggars, dressed in tattered clothes and with expressionless faces, sit on the ground, their hands outstretched, as a small child clings to each of them. It is a heart-wrenching sight that tugs at the heartstrings, yet the knowledge that their disabilities may be feigned adds an unsettling layer of complexity. Despite the deception, it is important to remember that this photograph is a reflection of the harsh realities of homelessness and poverty during this era. The itinerant beggars, who were often immigrants or displaced farmers, were forced to resort to such measures to survive in a city that offered few safety nets for the destitute. The use of children, though exploitative, was a common tactic employed by beggars to increase their chances of receiving alms. This photograph, with its poignant and thought-provoking imagery, offers a glimpse into the complex and often misunderstood world of urban poverty in 1880s America. It is a reminder of the societal challenges that have persisted throughout history and the ongoing need for compassion and understanding towards those who are less fortunate.
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