Explore the Subject matter about the Visual analysis of this artwork.
This work of art was undoubtedly inspired by the rampant misery in the streets of Seville during the Golden Age. In the 17th century, Spain had a dilemma with abandoned children who had to fend for themselves. The Young Beggar depicts one of these children who is in the middle of  ridding himself of lice.
Murillo was inspired to create a series of genre paintings featuring orphaned children living on the streets of Seville as a result of poor management in seventeenth-century Spain. Not only was there conflict among people because of differences in religion, there were also plagues that affected the children. It was these particular hardships that became the subjects of Murillo's paintings.Murillo could have been influenced to create such works due to his upbringing and he drew inspiration from what surrounded him. As a child, he was orphaned and raised by relatives. His childhood could have also inspired this series of street children.Murillo's paintings of poor class citizens and low-life youths were also influenced by the popularity of Spanish picaresque literature of the time as well. Works by novelist Miguel de Cervantès, who was known for depicting stories of roguish heroes and foolish knights, were an enormous inspiration for Murillo.
Seville genre painting picaresque Spain youth religion lice citizens poor class low-life plagues Spanish Miguel de Cervantès Spanish picaresque literature