Michael Sweerts, 'Refreshing the Thirsty', 1646 - 1649
About the work
Overview
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).
Key facts
Details
- 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
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.
Images
More works by 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...