The artwork titled “Crouching Beggar” is the creation of the renowned artist Pablo Picasso, dating back to 1902. Executed in oil on canvas, this piece is part of the Expressionism and Symbolism art movements and is considered a genre painting. Measuring 101.2 by 66 cm, it currently resides in the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) located in Toronto, Canada.
The artwork conveys a somber and evocative visual narrative. It portrays a figure hunched over in a crouching position, wrapped in a voluminous yellow cloak with a contrasting blue and white interior. The figure’s face, characterized by Picasso’s distinctive use of color and form, is rendered with somber hues and is expressive of a deep sense of despair. The background is relatively muted, consisting of neutral tones that serve to further highlight the figure in the foreground.
The beggar’s posture and the overall composition echo the themes of isolation and suffering, which are hallmarks of Picasso’s Blue Period, during which he created this painting. With marked lines and a restricted color palette dominated by blues and yellows, the artwork delivers a powerful emotional impact, encapsulating the struggle and despondency of the less fortunate in society. Picasso’s use of expressive distortion and color reflects his intent to evoke empathy and contemplation from the viewer, making “Crouching Beggar” a poignant testament to human hardship.
