1874
chalk
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Study of a Beggar is a 1874 chalk by Alphonse Legros, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
You're looking at a red chalk drawing on laid paper. It's a portrait of a beggar, rendered in simple yet expressive lines. The subject's face is the main focus, with loose strokes suggesting the contours of his features. What catches your eye is the way the artist has used the red chalk to create a sense of texture and depth. The beggar's skin looks rough and weathered, with deep creases etched into his face. His eyes are cast downward, giving him a humble and introspective air. This drawing is characteristic of the Romanticism movement, which emphasized emotion and individuality. You might want to explore more works by Alphonse Legros, the artist behind this piece.
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
![Study of a Man's Head [recto]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/745204b66df421ed/thumb.webp)
