Artwork
Beggar playing the pochette
Beggar playing the pochette is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Johann Philipp von der Schlichten. It dates from 1731 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Johann Philipp von der Schlichten’s oil painting, dated 1731, portrays a solitary figure engaged in music. The work is part of the collection at Munich’s Alte Pinakothek and exemplifies the genre‑scene tradition of the early eighteenth century, focusing on everyday life rather than grand historical narratives.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure is a beggar seated on a simple stool, his worn, earth‑toned garments and modest hat emphasizing his humble status. He cradles a pochette—a small, portable string instrument—while a basket rests nearby, suggesting a transient livelihood. The quiet concentration on his face conveys a moment of personal reflection amid poverty.
Technique & Style
Von der Schlichten employs chiaroscuro to model the figure, allowing the warm light to illuminate the man’s face and the instrument against a dim interior. This contrast creates a three‑dimensional presence and directs the viewer’s attention to the act of playing, while the muted palette reinforces the scene’s subdued mood.
History & Provenance
Created in 1731, the painting entered the Alte Pinakothek’s holdings, where it remains on display. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s workshop, though specific acquisition details are scarce. The work’s presence in a major German museum underscores its value as a representative example of von der Schlichten’s genre output.
Artist & collection
Artist
Johann Philipp von der Schlichten
Johann Philipp von der Schlichten (1681–1745) was an artist, born in Rotterdam.
