Bedelende figuur met arm in draagdoek before 1768

This is a limewood sculpture of a beggar made by Simon Troger. The texture and form bring the figure to life. The smooth treatment of the skin contrasts with the sharp, ragged edges of the clothing, creating a push and pull, as the viewer’s eye moves around the figure. The sculpture explores the relationship between interiority and exteriority. The beggar’s visible skin suggests vulnerability while the tattered clothing hints at a life of hardship. Troger uses colour to highlight this. The warm, natural tones of the wood give the figure a lifelike presence while darker hues accentuate the clothing. The formal structure echoes larger philosophical themes. The beggar’s posture, with an outstretched hand, asks the viewer to consider their own position. This interaction is not just a visual trick but an invitation to reflect on social values. It is a structure designed to challenge our perceptions and provoke thought about the human condition.