Beggar man and woman behind a bank

Rembrandt van Rijn placed two beggars behind an earthen bank in this etching. The raised ground partially conceals the figures, creating an unusual compositional choice that adds mystery. The couple appears to shelter or hide, their expressions obscured by shadow.

Rembrandt's beggar etchings vary in approach from straightforward portraits to more atmospheric scenes like this one. The artist experimented with plate tone and ink to achieve different effects. This print belongs to the National Gallery in London.