Who painted Two Beggar Women?

Two Beggar Women was painted by Jacques Callot in 1622.

Where can I see Two Beggar Women?

Two Beggar Women is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Two Beggar Women?

Two Beggar Women is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Two Beggar Women

Jacques Callot , 1622

Two Beggar Women is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1622 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Two Beggar Women is an etching on laid paper created by French baroque printmaker Jacques Callot around 1622. It is one of over 1,400 etchings in his oeuvre, which frequently depicted everyday life, particularly among marginalized groups.

Subject & Meaning

The print portrays two impoverished women in tattered, long robes and head coverings, conveying the hardships of poverty through detailed realism. One woman leans on the other, who holds a walking stick; an interaction involving a small, unspecified object is also captured.

Technique & Style

Characterized by sharp, scratchy lines reminiscent of needle marks, the etching exemplifies Callot's skill in the medium. His composition balances the figural focus with a suggested expansive landscape background, typical of his work.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1622 in the Duchy of Lorraine, the artwork's specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.

Context

Part of a broader body of work documenting 17th-century everyday life, 'Two Beggar Women' reflects Callot's interest in representing soldiers, beggars, and other marginalized figures of his time.

Legacy

As part of Callot's extensive and influential etching corpus, 'Two Beggar Women' contributes to his legacy as a prominent baroque printmaker, though its individual impact within his large oeuvre is not specifically highlighted.