Artwork

The Fiddling Beggar

The Fiddling Beggar, by William Sidney Mount, 1853
The Fiddling Beggar, by William Sidney Mount, 1853

The Fiddling Beggar is a drawing by the Impressionist artist William Sidney Mount. It dates from 1853 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Fiddling Beggar is a drawing created by William Sidney Mount in 1853. It depicts a seated figure playing a fiddle.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing shows a beggar absorbed in playing the fiddle, conveying a sense of relaxed concentration. The subject reflects Mount's lifelong interest in music and his focus on everyday, rural life.

Technique & Style

The sketch is characterized by quick, rough lines that capture the movement of the figure. The artist's emphasis on the hands and instrument creates a sense of energy and focus.

History & Provenance

William Sidney Mount was a 19th-century American artist known for his genre paintings, particularly those depicting rural life on Long Island. The Fiddling Beggar is now held in The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Artist & collection

Portrait of William Sidney Mount

Artist

William Sidney Mount

William Sidney Mount (November 26, 1807 – November 19, 1868) was a 19th-century American genre painter.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.