Artwork

The Beggars of Bruges

The Beggars of Bruges, by Alphonse Legros, 1880
The Beggars of Bruges, by Alphonse Legros, 1880

The Beggars of Bruges is a print by the Impressionist artist Alphonse Legros. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Beggars of Bruges is a black-and-white print created by Alphonse Legros around 1880. It is currently held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a crowded, dimly lit room where a group of people, dressed in tattered, old-fashioned clothing, gather together. A central figure appears to be speaking or begging, while others around him gesture or reach out.

Technique & Style

Legros employs chiaroscuro, using strong contrasts between light and dark to convey the figures' expressions and clothing details, creating a tense and realistic atmosphere.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Alphonse Legros

Artist

Alphonse Legros

Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.