Old Beggar Woman
1604
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Old Beggar Woman is a 1604 by Unknown, a Baroque work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
This painting shows an elderly woman with a long, dark dress and a head covering. She is holding a staff in her right hand and has a bag slung over her left shoulder. In the background, there are some buildings and a body of water. The woman's face is lined with age, and her eyes seem to be cast downward. Her clothing is simple and practical, suggesting that she is a beggar. The staff she holds may be used for support or as a tool for her daily activities. The painting's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and volume, drawing the viewer's attention to the woman's face and hands. To learn more about the artistic technique used in this painting, look up the term "chiaroscuro".
