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Beggars of Brussels (Les mendiants de Bruges)

Alphonse Legros

1874

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Beggars of Brussels (Les mendiants de Bruges) is a 1874 ink by Alphonse Legros, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Alphonse Legros
When & what style?: 1874 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a crowded group of people huddled together in what looks like a dim, rough room. Some are sitting, others kneeling, and a few lean on sticks or crutches. Their clothes are worn, and their faces show tiredness or worry. One person holds a baby, while another sits with their head in their hands. The background has a window with bars, and the light comes from the left, making shadows stretch across the scene. The artist used lines to show texture—like the wrinkles in clothes or the rough walls—making everything feel real and gritty. This style was common in the Romantic period, which often focused on everyday struggles. Check out etching to see how artists like Legros created such detailed prints.