Belisarius Begging for Alms 1765 - 1818

Heinrich Friedrich Füger's "Belisarius Begging for Alms" is a powerful depiction of the fallen Roman general Belisarius, once a celebrated military leader, reduced to begging for charity in his old age. The drawing, created between 1765-1818, showcases Füger's mastery of Neoclassical style, evident in the emphasis on clear lines, anatomical detail, and a dramatic composition. The scene, filled with figures both young and old, captures a poignant moment of humility and the fragility of human fortune, emphasizing the contrast between Belisarius' former glory and his current state of despair. Currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the drawing serves as a reminder of the power of art to immortalize historical figures and their stories.