1794
oil
canvas
From the collection of Ashmolean Museum
The blind Beggar of Bethnal Green and his Daughter is a 1794 oil by John Opie, held at Ashmolean Museum.
This painting depicts an elderly man and a young woman standing together. The man, who appears to be blind, is dressed in a red coat and holds a staff in his right hand. He has a gentle expression on his face as he places his left hand on the woman's shoulder. The woman, wearing a red coat and a hat with a beige scarf, looks directly at the viewer with a neutral expression. The background of the painting is dark, which contrasts with the warm tones of the figures' clothing. The overall atmosphere of the painting is somber and introspective. To learn more about the artist's use of chiaroscuro, explore the technique.
John Opie (16 May 1761 – 9 April 1807) was a British painter whose subjects included many prominent men and women of his day, members of the British royal family and others who were notable in the artistic and literary careers.
See the richer artist page
