Hidden Histories Tour - A Beggar at Ornans: Gypsies during Courbet’s time and beyond

Gustave Courbet's 1868 painting 'A Beggar at Ornans' was met with almost universal disapproval when it was first exhibited. The gritty depiction of a filthy, bandaged beggar by the French Realist painter even offended the sensibilities of the artist's friends. 

France was in the middle of a social welfare crisis at the time, with a perceived problem surrounding beggars and gypsies. This talk, given by Curator of European Art Pippa Stephenson-Sit, explores the impact and reception of this painting, as well as the representation of gypsies during Courbet's time and beyond.