Beggar with Crutches and Hat, Back View

Beggar with Crutches and Hat, Back View

Jacques Callot

1622

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a person walking away from us, leaning on two crutches. They’re wearing a loose shirt, a wide-brimmed hat, and baggy pants tied at the waist. One hand holds a small object—a pouch or a hat—while the other grips a crutch. The ground looks uneven, with quick, scratchy lines suggesting movement. The artist used a rough, sketchy style to show the person’s struggle. The lines are uneven, almost like they were drawn fast, giving the figure a real, tired feel. Next, look up etching to see how artists like this made prints with acid and needles.

More by Jacques Callot

Artifact World Gallery — 100,000 artworks Get the app