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The Sleeping Beggar, by Alphonse Legros, 1884

The Sleeping Beggar

Alphonse Legros

1884

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

Overview

The Sleeping Beggar is a 1884 by Alphonse Legros, a Impressionism work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?
Alphonse Legros
When & what style?
1884 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?
Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This painting depicts a man lying on the ground, his head resting on his arm. He's dressed in a long-sleeved shirt and pants, with his legs bent at the knees. The background is dark, with some indistinct shapes that might be buildings or walls. The man's pose suggests he's sleeping or resting, and the dark background creates a somber mood. The painting's style is realistic, with attention to detail in the man's clothing and the textures of the background. The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and volume, drawing the viewer's eye to the man's face and body. If you're interested in learning more about this style, look up chiaroscuro.

About the artist

Portrait of Alphonse Legros
Artist

Alphonse Legros

Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.

See the richer artist page

More by Alphonse Legros

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