Artwork
A Beggar
A Beggar is a paint painting by the Patna School of Painting artist Puqua. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
A Beggar is a painting from a series of 100 works depicting various occupations in Canton.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays a beggar singing and playing castanets, dressed in tattered clothing with a somber expression, offering a glimpse into the life of a specific profession in 19th-century Canton.
History & Provenance
The work was created as part of a larger set of paintings intended for European audiences seeking to understand Chinese culture and daily life.
Context
The series to which A Beggar belongs reflects the European interest in Chinese society during this period, serving as a window into the cultural exchange between China and Europe.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
