Beggar's Family

Artist Albert Bloch (American, 1882 - 1961)

Date1909

MediumDrypoint on paper

DimensionsPlate: 8 × 10 3/8 inches (20.32 × 26.35 cm)
Sheet: 11 13/16 × 17 7/8 inches (30 × 45.4 cm)

Credit LineGift of Scott Heffley

Object number2017.78.13

SignedMonogram "AB" printed at upper right corner of image; "Heinr. Welleroth, Munchen, gdr" printer's signature in graphite, bottom left plate edge

InscribedScript inscription in graphite under lower right of the image by the artist, possibly "Grosser Relbe"

On View

Not on view

Collections

American Art

Terms

DescriptionUsing fine black lines, this horizontally oriented drypoint print depicts eight figures in a what appears to be an interior space with the vague suggestion of walls, windows, and a ceiling. Moving left to right across the composition, these figures include a seated elderly man with a long beard and wearing a hat who faces forward. An elderly woman in profile with hair pulled back into a loose bun stands over him and leans his way towards the left of the image. In front of her and facing the opposite direction—to the right—a younger, dark-haired woman and a boy in a striped shirt walk hand in hand. Next to them, near the center of the composition is man wearing a hat tipped slightly towards the image’s right. He faces forward and wears around his neck a sign that reads: “BLIN[D].” In front of him, near the lower edge of the scene, is the head and torso of another man wearing a hat who looks out towards the viewer. Slightly behind and to the right of these two men is a third man, again, wearing a hat, who peers out from the background over the shoulder of the man wearing the sign. Occupying the right side of the scene is a woman with hair pulled back and a weary expression on her face. She appears to be carrying a large bundle and is looking to the left, towards the dark-haired woman who holds hands with the young boy.Exhibition History

Exhibition History

None

Provenance

The artist (1881–1961), Lawrence, KS, 1909–March 23,1961;

Inherited by his wife, Anna Bloch (1913–2014), Lawrence, KS, March 23, 1961–June 11, 2001;

Her gift to Scott Heffley, Kansas City, MO, June 11, 2001–December 31, 2017;

His gift to The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, December 31, 2017.

Published References

None

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