Artwork

Beggar with Pot

Beggar with Pot, by French 17th Century, ink, 1622
Beggar with Pot, by French 17th Century, ink, 1622

Beggar with Pot is an ink print by the Baroque artist French 17th Century. It dates from 1622 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Beggar with Pot is an etching on laid paper that portrays a destitute individual holding a large container.

Subject & Meaning

The beggar's worn, tattered clothing and somber expression convey a sense of desperation, evoking feelings of pathos and sympathy in the viewer. His unkempt hair and scraggly beard add to the overall impression of poverty and hardship.

Technique & Style

The etching is characterized by intricate lines and detailed shading, which create a realistic and textured image. The level of detail suggests a high degree of technical skill.

Context

This work is associated with the Baroque movement, a style that often featured dramatic and emotionally charged subjects.

Artist & collection

Portrait of French 17th Century

Artist

French 17th Century

Seventeenth-century French printmakers turned ink into story. Their tools were burin and acid, paper their stage. Look at the Beggar Woman with Rosary (1622), etched on laid paper, her hands folded around faith, or The…

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