Bedelende figuur

About this artwork

Gesticulerende bedelaar

Art Historical Context

**Bedelende Figuur by Simon Troger** Crafted in ivory and standing at 34 cm tall, *Bedelende Figuur (Begging Figure) is a work by South Tyrolean sculptor Simonger, created sometime between after 1693 and before1768. Troger, a master of Baroque sculpture, specialized in small-scale carvings that captured dynamic human forms with emotional intensity. This piece depicts a *gesticulerende bedelaar*—a gesturing beggar—frozen in a moment of fervent plea, embodying the dramatic flair of the Baroque era, where art sought to evoke empathy and movement. Ivory, a luxurious and challenging medium prized in 17th- and 18th-century Europe, allowed Troger to showcase exquisite technical skill. The material's creamy translucency and fine grain enabled intricate detailing of the figure's tattered clothing, expressive face, and animated gestures, highlighting the contrast between the beggar's humble plight and the sculpture's refined craftsmanship. Such carvings were often collected by nobility, turning everyday human struggles into intimate, tactile treasures. In its historical context, this artwork reflects Baroque interests in human emotion and social themes like charity and the human condition. Troger's Tyrolean roots infused his works with regional vitality, making *Bedelende Figuur* a poignant reminder of 18th-century Europe's blend of piety, poverty, and artistic virtuosity. Visitors will appreciate its lifelike presence, inviting reflection on the universality of need.

About the Artist

Simon Troger · 1683–1768

Comment on works: wood sculptor