Beggar in a High Cap Standing (1629) by Rembrandt

Beggar in a High Cap Standing - Rembrandt - 1629

Artwork Information

TitleBeggar in a High Cap Standing
ArtistRembrandt
Date1629
Mediumpen,ink,paper
Dimensions12 x 15.6 cm
Art MovementBaroque

About Beggar in a High Cap Standing

The artwork titled “Beggar in a High Cap, Standing,” created by the esteemed artist Rembrandt in 1629, is a poignant example of Baroque art executed with pen and ink on paper. The piece measures 12 by 15.6 centimeters and falls within the genre painting category, reflecting scenes from everyday life. Rembrandt’s portrayal of a beggar in this artwork encapsulates the human condition and the social realities of his time.

The artwork depicts a solitary figure of a beggar, clad in tattered and worn-out clothing, standing and leaning on what appears to be a walking stick. The high cap he wears adds a distinctive character to his appearance, suggesting a sense of individuality amidst his unfortunate circumstances. His facial expression is somber and downcast, with a sense of resignation to his plight. Despite the simple medium of pen and ink, the artist has adeptly captured the beggar’s ragged garments and the textures of the fabric, which hang loosely from his frame, highlighting his destitution. Shadows are implied through hatched lines, providing depth to the figure and the surrounding space, creating a stark and dramatic effect which is characteristic of the Baroque era’s exploration of contrast and emotion. The background is sparingly detailed, allowing the viewer to focus on the beggar’s persona and the narrative suggested by his stance and attire. The virtuosity of the artist is evident in the way the lines have been employed to convey not just form, but also a tangible sense of the individual’s life and social circumstance.

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