Gammel tigger 1810 - 1873

Wilhelm Marstrand sketched "Old Beggar" with pencil on paper. Marstrand lived during a time of significant social change in Denmark, including the rise of nationalism and evolving views on social welfare. Here, the artist renders the figure with stark realism, emphasizing the man's age and worn condition. The beggar is nearly nude. This raises questions about societal attitudes toward poverty and the visibility, or lack thereof, of the marginalized. Marstrand, as a member of the bourgeoisie, would have been aware of the growing underclass. The beggar's direct gaze creates a sense of confrontation. Marstrand challenges viewers to acknowledge and perhaps question their own roles in the societal structures that produce poverty. The emotional weight of the piece is undeniable. It encourages us to reflect on the human cost of social and economic disparities, even today.