Emile Sevelinge (1871-1936) Watercolor “the Beggar”

The watercolor depicts a scene of social satire, characteristic of the humor and discreet criticism of some works from the early 20th century. It shows three main characters: • An elegant man, wearing a long coat, a hat, and holding a cane, walking indifferently. • A woman dressed as a bee, wearing a yellow and black dress with wings, perhaps symbolizing greed or superficiality (the bee is sometimes associated with incessant activity and luxury). She seems interested in the man's coat, as if she were going to "steal" something from him. • A blind beggar, sitting on a stool with a guide dog at his side, holding a sign reading "AVEUGLE NAISSANCE" (Blind from birth). He holds out a cup to receive money. The whole scene seems to play on social contrasts: on one side, an elegant and carefree couple, on the other, a poor and disabled man, dependent on charity. The bee could also symbolize opportunism or exploitation, especially towards the unsuspecting rich man. The style and tone are reminiscent of certain humorous or critical illustrations from the early 20th century, denouncing the inequalities or superficial behavior of bourgeois society. Emile Sevelinge is a French artist known for his works of painting and drawings. One of his works is also kept at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Watercolor size 49 x 34 'Dimension with wooden frame 54 x 38.5