Joueurs de vielle 1850 - 1853

"Joueurs de vielle" is a calotype photograph by Louis-Désiré Blanquart-Évrard, dating from 1850-1853. The image depicts two young boys, one standing and one seated, playing the hurdy-gurdy, a traditional musical instrument. Blanquart-Évrard, a pioneer in photographic printing techniques, captured the candid moment with a sense of realism and detail, showcasing the everyday life of street musicians in mid-19th-century France. This work exemplifies his commitment to capturing the beauty of the ordinary, and it stands as a testament to the early development of photography as a powerful medium for documentation and artistic expression.