Who painted The Hurdy-Gurdy Player?

The Hurdy-Gurdy Player was painted by Jacques Callot in 1622.

Where can I see The Hurdy-Gurdy Player?

The Hurdy-Gurdy Player is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Hurdy-Gurdy Player?

The Hurdy-Gurdy Player is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

The Hurdy-Gurdy Player

Jacques Callot , 1622

The Hurdy-Gurdy Player is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1622 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Hurdy-Gurdy Player is an etching on laid paper created by Jacques Callot around 1622. It depicts a street musician playing a hurdy-gurdy, set against a backdrop of everyday life.

Subject & Meaning

The print captures a moment of contemporary street life, focusing on a humble musician dressed in simple attire. The subject reflects Callot's interest in documenting the lives of common people, including entertainers and laborers.

Technique & Style

Executed using the etching technique, the work features a design scratched into a metal plate. Callot's use of etching allowed for detailed, expressive lines, characteristic of his baroque style.

History & Provenance

Created during Callot's prolific period, this etching is one of over 1,400 works by the artist. Originating from the Duchy of Lorraine, it showcases his ability to chronicle the society of his time.

Context

The Hurdy-Gurdy Player is part of a broader body of work by Callot that includes soldiers, beggars, and other figures from daily 17th-century life, often set within detailed, observational landscapes.