An Ascetic

About this work

This painting shows a bare-chested man standing outdoors. He wears a loose white cloth wrapped around his waist, a red sash tied at his side, and a white cap on his head. In one hand, he holds a bundle of sticks or a broom, and in the other, a small red pouch or bundle. The background is a simple hill with a few trees and a flat horizon line. The painting’s flat colors and lack of deep shadows suggest it’s more about the subject than realistic detail. The man’s simple clothes and tools hint he might be a wandering holy figure. If you like this style, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum for more works like it.