Created:
Movement:
c. 1850
Realism
key Notes:
Human dignity, poignant realism.
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Dimensions:
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Master
New game
story of the work:

"Blind Beggar," painted by Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin in 1737, depicts a blind man receiving alms from a young boy, highlighting themes of charity and human compassion. This work exemplifies Chardin's mastery of still life and genre painting, reflecting the social realities of 18th-century France while contributing to the broader discourse on the moral responsibilities of society towards the less fortunate.

Description of the work:

"Blind Beggar," painted by Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin in 1731, depicts a seated blind man, characterized by his weathered features and tattered clothing, who is holding a wooden staff in one hand while extending the other towards an unseen passerby. The composition is marked by a muted color palette, with soft, naturalistic lighting that enhances the textures of the beggar's skin and garments, creating a poignant sense of realism and empathy.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Harvard Art Museum

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Blind Beggar