A blind hurdy-gurdy player and family receiving alms

A blind hurdy-gurdy player and family receiving alms by Rembrandt van Rijn, created in 1648, is a profound example of the artist's mastery of the print medium. Rendered on paper, this influential work showcases Rijn's characteristic dramatic use of light and shadow (chiaroscuro) and his profound empathy for subjects often relegated to the social fringes of 17th-century Dutch society. Although the exact technique is identified simply as a print, Rijn was renowned for his skillful execution of etchings and drypoint during this period, producing some of the most sought-after graphic works of the Dutch Golden Age.

The composition centers on the elderly musician, identifiable by the distinctive hurdy-gurdy slung across his back, guided by a child or spouse. They stand vulnerable yet dignified, posed to accept alms from an unseen or faintly rendered benefactor just beyond the edge of the scene. Rijn frequently chose to depict the hardships of everyday life, avoiding caricature and instead capturing the essential humanity of figures seeking charity. The deep contrasts achieved in the black and white prints emphasize the textures of their worn clothing and the palpable darkness of the street scene, focusing the viewer’s attention directly on the central act of compassion and necessity.

This piece reflects the strong social and religious consciousness prevalent in the Dutch Republic, where public and private charity formed a vital component of urban life. As a key work demonstrating the expressive power of prints in art history, the piece is securely held within the extensive collection of the Rijksmuseum. Due to the age of the image, high-quality reproductions and prints of this powerful work are often widely available in the public domain, ensuring global access to Rijn’s intricate depiction of the era.