Bedelaar met doedelzak before 1768

Simon Troger crafted this small sculpture of a bagpipe player from wood and ivory in the 18th century. Here, we see a beggar, likely a wandering musician, a common sight in the European countryside at the time. The bagpipe itself carries a rich, ancient history. It appears in various forms across cultures, from ancient Rome to the Middle East, often associated with shepherds and rural festivities. Its drone, a sustained, resonating sound, evokes a sense of timelessness. The instrument’s connection to folk traditions and communal gatherings has continued through to the present day. There's a primal quality to the sound of the bagpipe, one that stirs something deep within us, a link to our past. Perhaps this sculpture, in its depiction of a humble musician, serves as a reminder of the stories and traditions that bind us, passed down through generations. Despite changing times, the music continues, a constant echo resonating through the ages.