Artwork
Beggar Carrying a Woman on His Back
Beggar Carrying a Woman on His Back is an ink print by the Baroque artist Johannes van Vliet. It dates from 1632 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Beggar Carrying a Woman on His Back is a 1632 etching by Johannes van Vliet, depicting a poignant scene in stark black and white.
Subject & Meaning
The print shows a bent, staff-wielding beggar carrying a limp, possibly incapacitated woman over his shoulders, conveying a sense of hardship and urgency.
Technique & Style
Executed in quick, scratchy lines, the etching reflects a rapid, expressive technique, akin to a sketchbook doodle, prioritizing immediacy over polish.
History & Provenance
Created in 1632 by Johannes van Vliet, specific provenance details are not provided, highlighting the work's existence within the artist's oeuvre.
Context
Characteristic of 17th-century etching practices, the work utilizes acid and metal plate techniques, typical of the period's printmaking.
Legacy
While the work's direct impact is not detailed, it exemplifies van Vliet's contribution to the etching tradition, offering a glimpse into 17th-century artistic practices.
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