Augusta Savage created Gamin early in her career, and the small sculpture won her a scholarship to travel to Europe. Some sources suggest that the sculpture was inspired by a homeless boy on the street; others indicate it may have been based on the artist’s nephew, Ellis Ford. The French word gamin means ​“street urchin,” and the figure’s wrinkled shirt and cap emphasize his impoverished appearance. The child’s expression appears much wiser than his years, suggesting he has seen much hardship. The title may reflect how Savage herself felt as a young artist in Europe, struggling to make ends meet even after achieving success in the Paris Salons.