Artwork

Beggar Woman Fleaing a Boy

Beggar Woman Fleaing a Boy, by Johannes van Vliet, ink, 1632
Beggar Woman Fleaing a Boy, by Johannes van Vliet, ink, 1632

Beggar Woman Fleaing a Boy 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 Woman Fleaing a Boy is a 1632 etching by Johannes van Vliet, depicting a dramatic, intimate scene of conflict between two figures in a shadowy setting.

Subject & Meaning

The etching shows a hooded beggar woman physically restraining a boy, who defends himself with raised arms. Her face obscured, the woman's intentions are ambiguous, leaving the scene's interpretation open.

Technique & Style

Van Vliet employed intricate etching techniques, including detailed lines and shading, to achieve a realistic, textured effect. The work exemplifies Baroque stylistic elements, notably chiaroscuro, which heightens the dramatic tension through stark light and dark contrasts.

History & Provenance

Created in 1632, the etching's provenance details are not provided in the available information.

Context

The work aligns with the Baroque movement's emphasis on emotional intensity and dramatic lighting, situating it within early 17th-century European artistic trends.

Legacy

While specific legacy details are not provided, the etching reflects van Vliet's contribution to Baroque printmaking, potentially influencing subsequent generations of artists in capturing dynamic, emotionally charged scenes.

Artist & collection

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