Bedelares met kind

About this artwork

hoogte 26 cm

Art Historical Context

**Bedelares met kind** by Simon Troger is a finely carved ivory sculpture, created sometime after 1693 and before 1768. Measuring 26 cm in height, this intimate work depicts a beggar woman cradling her child, evoking a sense of quiet tenderness amid hardship. Troger, active during the late Baroque period in the South Tyrol region, was renowned for his skill in small-scale figurative sculptures that brought everyday human stories to life. Ivory's smooth, luminous quality made it ideal for such detailed work, demanding exceptional precision to render subtle expressions, folds of clothing, and anatomical nuances without cracking the material. At just 26 cm, the piece was likely designed for private devotion or display in a collector's cabinet, showcasing the era's fascination with virtuoso carving techniques. This artwork reflects 18th-century European interest in genre scenes portraying social margins, humanizing the poor through maternal bonds. Visitors are drawn to its emotional depth, a testament to ivory's enduring appeal in capturing vulnerability with graceful realism. (178 words)

About the Artist

Simon Troger · 1683–1768

Comment on works: wood sculptor