The French Marrow-bone Singer 1771

This 1771 satirical etching by Matthew Darly, titled "The French Marrow-bone Singer," depicts a caricature of a French street musician. The exaggerated features and pose of the figure, paired with the inscription "The French Marrow-bone Singer," highlights the popular perception of French street musicians in 18th-century England. The print’s humorous style, with its detailed rendering of clothing and props, is characteristic of Darly’s work, which often focused on social commentary and the follies of the day. This artwork, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a valuable example of 18th-century satirical printmaking and provides insight into the social dynamics of the time.