Beggars on the Doorstep of a House (1648) by Rembrandt

Beggars on the Doorstep of a House - Rembrandt - 1648

Artwork Information

TitleBeggars on the Doorstep of a House
ArtistRembrandt
Date1648
Mediumetching
Art MovementBaroque

About Beggars on the Doorstep of a House

The artwork titled “Beggars on the Doorstep of a House” is an etching by the renowned Baroque artist Rembrandt, created in the year 1648. The medium utilized for this piece is etching, which is a method of printmaking that involves incising lines onto a metal plate. This artwork is classified within the genre painting category, capturing scenes of everyday life and ordinary people, a typical subject during the Baroque period.

In the artwork, a group of figures appear in a moment of interaction at the threshold of a house. To the left, an elderly bearded man, possibly the homeowner, leans forward, handing something to one of the central figures, who could be a beggar. The man receiving aid wears a wide-brimmed hat and carries a walking stick, suggesting his travels or a potential disability. Beside him, another figure looks on, possibly waiting their turn for assistance. On the far right, a woman with a child strapped to her back adds to the group, supporting the impression that these are individuals in need. The detailed etching captures the folds of their garments, the textures of their accessories, and the expressions on their faces, which convey a sense of humility and need. The composition highlights the social dynamic of charity and the realities of poverty during the 17th century.

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