A retouched photo depicts a man and a woman. The woman is young and attractive, somewhat underdressed. On her face is a puffy look that could be seen as a little sour. She stands upright and looks directly at the camera. The man stands stooped, looks sideways, his hands in fists, gazing across the picture behind the woman's back and somewhat downward.

The interpretation of the picture, as told by an exhibition guide, sounds thus.

"This is the famous art-photo 'Poverty'. The man's dejected look and the positions of his hands manifest his shame for his partner who is forced to expose her body as a model, for a meagre pittance. The feelings of shame and muted defiance determine the woman's facial expression and posture. The artist has succeeded in depicting the human situation of despair and personal humiliation at having to sell one's external appearance for money."