A Beggar with a Wooden Leg (1630) by Rembrandt

A Beggar with a Wooden Leg - Rembrandt - 1630

Artwork Information

TitleA Beggar with a Wooden Leg
ArtistRembrandt
Date1630
Dimensions11 x 7 cm
Art MovementBaroque

About A Beggar with a Wooden Leg

The artwork “A Beggar with a Wooden Leg,” created by Rembrandt in 1630, is an exemplar of the Baroque art movement. Its relatively small dimensions are 11 x 7 cm, and it classifies as a genre painting, which is a style that depicts scenes of everyday life.

The artwork portrays a figure who appears to be a beggar, as suggested by the title. The subject is standing and bears a wooden leg, indicative of physical hardship and possibly a life affected by injury or disability. The beggar is clothed in tattered garments that drape loosely around the body, reinforcing the impression of impoverishment. Rembrandt has skillfully rendered the textures of the fabric and the contours of the figure, which lend the subject both weight and volume. There is a dramatic contrast of light and dark within the piece, a hallmark of Rembrandt’s work and the Baroque period. The expression on the beggar’s face is shrouded in shadow, adding an element of mystery and depth to the character. The etching technique used by Rembrandt showcases his deft handling of line to convey form and emotion, capturing a moment in time with both empathy and artistic finesse.

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