Who created "A Beggar Playing a Flute"?

A Beggar Playing a Flute was created by Jacques Callot in early 17th century.

When was "A Beggar Playing a Flute" created?

This artwork was created early 17th century.

What medium is "A Beggar Playing a Flute"?

A Beggar Playing a Flute is Pen and red ink, graphite underdrawing.

Is "A Beggar Playing a Flute" in the public domain?

Yes, A Beggar Playing a Flute is in the public domain and available for free download under CC0 license.

A Beggar Playing a Flute

Jacques Callot

early 17th century

Medium

Pen and red ink, graphite underdrawing

Dimensions

2 9/16 x 3 7/16 in. (6.5 x 8.7 cm.)

Classification

Drawings

Department

Drawings and Prints

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Gift of Harry G. Friedman, 1958

Accession Number

58.651.74

Tags

MenMusicFlutesDogs

Art Historical Context

In the early 17th century, artist Jacques Callot captured gritty vibrancy of everyday life with masterful drawings like *A Beggar Playing aute*. This intimate sheet, measuring just 2 9/16 x 3 7/16 inches, depicts a ragged figure immersed in music, flute to his lips, accompanied by loyal dog—a poignant nod to the marginalized beggars who populated Europe's streets during the Baroque era. Callot, renowned for his empathetic yet unflinching portrayals of the lower classes, drew from life in his native Lorraine and travels across Italy, infusing his works with lively energy and social commentary. ...

About the Artist

Jacques Callot · 1592–1635

Jacques Callot (1592–1635) was a French printmaker and draftsman from the Duchy of Lorraine, widely regarded as one of the first great artists to practice the graphic arts exclusively. His more than 1,400 etchings chronicled the breadth of 17th-century life, from Medici court festivities to the brutal realities of warfare. Callot revolutionized etching through technical innovations including the é...

A Beggar Playing a Flute

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