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Michael Sweerts, 'Feeding the Hungry', 1646 - 1649

About the work

Overview

At the steps of a church, hungry people are being fed. At the centre stands a beggar making direct eye contact with the viewer. Painted in Rome, the work belongs to a series depicting the Seven Works of Mercy, the guiding principle for compassionate deeds inspired by the teachings of Christ, as outlined in the Gospel of Matthew. For another painting by Sweerts belonging to the same series, see Refreshing the Thirsty (L1321).

Key facts

Details

Full title
Feeding the Hungry
Artist dates
1618-1664
Date made
1646 - 1649
Medium and support
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
75 × 99 cm
Acquisition credit
On loan from the Rijksmuseum. Purchased with the support of the Commissie voor Fotoverkoop
Inventory number
L1320
Location
Room 27
Image copyright
On loan from the Rijksmuseum. Purchased with the support of the Commissie voor Fotoverkoop, © Loan from the Rijksmuseum
Collection
Main Collection

About this record

If you know more about this painting or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.

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