The Beggar 1822

"The Beggar" (Le Mendiant) is a lithograph by French artist Louis Léopold Boilly, created in 1822. The artwork depicts a poignant scene of two figures, an elderly man and a young boy, both dressed in worn clothing and likely in need. The lithograph, with its stark black and white tones, underscores the stark reality of poverty, a theme that resonated with audiences of the time. Boilly's focus on everyday life, a hallmark of his career, is evident in this depiction of social commentary, captured through the artist's keen observational skills.