Striking small Baroque genre painting depicting a bearded elderly beggar in a dynamic, theatrical mid-stride pose. He dramatically holds a vivid red hat in one hand and grips a long wooden staff with the other, full of expressive energy and character. Attributed to the French School, with strong influence from the Lorraine School and the circle of Jacques Bellange (c. 1575–1616). The composition closely relates to Bellange’s iconic beggar figures (e.g. “Beggar Looking through His Hat” in the Walters Art Museum), featuring loose, lively brushwork that models the flowing garments, weathered face, and atmospheric background with typical Mannerist-Baroque flair. Provinance: Formerly in a European private collection, purchased mid 20th century on the Austrian antiques market. The object has been in Europe for several decades, last owner antiques dealer of Vienna...