Figure of a Beggar 1749 - 1759

This porcelain figurine, "Figure of a Beggar" by Joseph Willems, depicts a beggar in a simple white garment and a black hat. Created between 1749 and 1759, the sculpture captures the realism of 18th-century European social life. The figurine's delicate detail and realistic portrayal of a humble subject exemplify the artistry of the Rococo period. Now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, this small but poignant sculpture offers insight into the social commentary and artistic techniques of the time.