Feeding the Hungry

Michael Sweerts (1618–1664), oil on canvas, ca. 1646–1649

In the Catholic Church, the ‘Seven Works of Mercy’ served as a guiding principle for acts of human kindness. They are based on Christ’s teachings, as described in the Gospel of Matthew. Sweerts painted his series of – four of which four pictures are in the Rijksmuseum – while in Rome. His humble street scenes depict the poorest of the poor with penetrating insight.

  • Artwork typepainting
  • Object numberSK-A-2845
  • Dimensionsheight 75 cm x width 99 cm