Artwork

The Beggars: Beggar Woman Coming to Receive Alms

The Beggars: Beggar Woman Coming to Receive Alms, by Jacques Callot, 1623
The Beggars: Beggar Woman Coming to Receive Alms, by Jacques Callot, 1623

The Beggars: Beggar Woman Coming to Receive Alms is a print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1623 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Beggars: Beggar Woman Coming to Receive Alms is a print by Jacques Callot, dating to circa 1623, currently in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts a beggar woman, dressed in tattered, dark attire with a head covering, standing with her hands extended, awaiting alms. Her downward gaze and outstretched hands convey a sense of humility and need.

Technique & Style

Executed in a Baroque style, the print utilizes strong chiaroscuro, with a light background contrasting sharply with the woman's shadowed form, illuminated from the side, creating dramatic depth.

History & Provenance

Created around 1623 by Jacques Callot, the print's history prior to its acquisition by The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed here.

Context

Part of a broader Baroque artistic movement, this work reflects the style's emphasis on dramatic lighting and emotional intensity, common in 17th-century European art.

Legacy

As a representative Baroque print, it contributes to the understanding and appreciation of the era's artistic practices, particularly in the depiction of everyday life and the use of chiaroscuro.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacques Callot

Artist

Jacques Callot

Jacques Callot was a baroque printmaker and draftsman from the Duchy of Lorraine.

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