The Beggars

The Beggars, an 1849 painting by Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps, is housed in the Scottish National Gallery. Measuring 0.274 meters wide and 0.17 meters high, the artwork depicts a group of beggars huddled together in a dimly lit doorway. The scene is rendered in warm, earthy tones, with the figures draped in muted, textured clothing. The figures appear to be engaged in conversation, with one woman holding a small child. A basket of fruit sits on the ground near them. The overall impression is one of poverty and quiet desperation, yet there is a sense of community and shared experience among the figures. The style is characteristic of Decamps' work, with a focus on realistic detail and atmospheric effects.