[en] An experimental realization of the focusing of an atomic beam by a spontaneous radiation pressure force is reported. A simple light field configuration for focusing an atomic beam is described which is formed by four divergent Gaussian laser beams propagating along the + or - x and + or - y directions of a Cartesian coordinate system. An experimental arrangement for the laser focusing is shown, and the experimental procedure is described. The resulting atomic beam profiles are shown and discussed. It is concluded that the experiments open up the possibility of gaining control over such parameters of atomic beams as their density and divergence. 7 references