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Michael Sweerts, 'Refreshing the Thirsty', 1646 - 1649

Key facts
Full title Refreshing the Thirsty
Artist Michael Sweerts
Artist dates 1618-1664
Date made 1646 - 1649
Medium and support Oil on canvas
Dimensions 72 × 97.5 cm
Acquisition credit On loan from the Rijksmuseum. Purchased with the support of the Commissie voor Fotoverkoop
Inventory number L1321
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
Refreshing the Thirsty
Michael Sweerts
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This painting belongs to a series depicting the Seven Works of Mercy that Sweerts painted during his stay in Rome. The central figure is a bald pilgrim poised to drink from a bowl. Sweerts shows the fundamental Christian charitable act of quenching the thirst of others, set amidst the vibrant backdrop of modern Rome. For another painting by Sweerts belonging to the same series, see Feeding the Hungry (L1320).

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More paintings by Michael Sweerts

Feeding the Hungry
Feeding the Hungry
Michael Sweerts
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 o...
Room 27