Artwork
Beggar
Beggar is a print by the Impressionist artist Mariano Fortuny Marsal. It dates from 1862 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1921.283
About this work
Overview
Beggar is a mid-19th-century print by Spanish painter Mariano Fortuny, created circa 1862. Characteristic of Fortuny’s oeuvre, it blends elements of Romanticism and Orientalism with a focus on genre and regional themes.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a seated, cloaked figure, head bowed and leaning on a staff, explicitly labeled “MENDIANT” (Beggar). This humble subject reflects Fortuny’s interest in capturing everyday life and cultural nuances.
Technique & Style
Executed in loose, quick lines with selective shading, the piece exhibits a sketchy, expressive quality. The rough-edged paper and handwritten title and signature (in the corner) enhance its spontaneous, intimate feel.
History & Provenance
Created around 1862, the print’s provenance is not detailed here, though it bears Fortuny’s signature. Its style suggests a possible sketch or study, given its loose execution.
Context
While differing from Fortuny’s more common historical and military subjects, Beggar aligns with the broader 19th-century European artistic trend of exploring everyday life, akin to Realist movements.
Legacy
Though Beggar may not represent Fortuny’s most renowned works (often Orientalist or historical), it showcases his versatility and contributes to the broader appreciation of 19th-century genre painting.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Mariano Fortuny y Marsal (Catalan: Marià Fortuny i Marsal, pronounced; June 11, 1838 – November 21, 1874) was a Spanish painter known for works focusing on Romantic fascination with Orientalist themes, historicist genre…
