Beggar with his left hand extended (1631) by Rembrandt

Beggar with his left hand extended - Rembrandt - 1631

Artwork Information

TitleBeggar with his left hand extended
ArtistRembrandt
Date1631
Art MovementBaroque

About Beggar with his left hand extended

The artwork titled “Beggar with his left hand extended,” created by the distinguished artist Rembrandt in 1631, is an exemplar of the Baroque artistic movement, specifically within the genre painting category. This work is from an era that was characterized by dramatic expression and vivid detail, hallmarks of Baroque art, which often sought to evoke emotional responses from viewers.

The artwork presents a figure that appears impoverished, signified by the individual’s worn attire and the act of begging, which is conveyed through the posture and extended hand. Rembrandt has adeptly captured the textures of the clothing, adding depth and a sense of tangible reality to the figure. The figure’s expression is not distinctly visible, yet the posture and gestures are imbued with a stark realism that speaks to the struggles experienced by those in the lower strata of society. The execution of the work, with its emphasis on light, shadow, and fine lines, demonstrates Rembrandt’s skillful etching techniques and his ability to convey complex human conditions with simplicity and power.

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