Jenney the Pedler & Amorous Jockey (for Flute and Keybord Instrument) c. 1737 - 1740

Curator: Oh, I love this piece. It’s entitled "Jenney the Pedler & Amorous Jockey (for Flute and Keybord Instrument)", an etching and lithograph printed around 1737-1740, and comes to us from George Bickham. Editor: My goodness, what a scene. Bawdy and romantic all at once, like a comedic opera unfolding before us. It has such playful lightness despite being monochromatic. Curator: Precisely! The print cleverly combines musical notation with a scene suggesting a popular ballad, almost a visual song sheet if you will. We see two worlds meeting here. Editor: I see an illustration in the upper part depicting an intimate scene between a woman and a gentleman, right next to a very burdened looking donkey loaded with goods! Curator: Yes! A traveling peddler and donkey suggesting everyday commerce. But the embracing couple embodies romance, likely referencing the flirtatious narrative told in the lyrics. Donkeys carry burdens and in classical paintings often are used to represent negative aspects. The figures on top seem happy with an implication to forget those feelings. Editor: Do you think the donkey looks disapproving, or just tired? The little visual stories they tell. It really draws you in. I could lose hours just imagining what they say to each other when alone. Curator: Symbolism thrives in details! And remember, popular prints such as these played a vital role distributing musical trends. A sheet like this allowed folks at home to participate in musical storytelling. That notion of accessibility adds another layer. It makes me consider social boundaries and connections. Editor: And don't forget about the music! You see a lot of old instruments, and not often you find the sheet music. We have access to this artwork with an emotional background to it. Imagine performing the work on those times. It seems like a fun little melody. I wonder, maybe one day we should have musicians playing the score so people experience the art from multiple perspectives. Curator: What a superb idea! I see our time here draws near the close, and this particular piece does offer an exciting combination of folk elements, music, and storytelling all in one. It really encompasses so much! Editor: Well said. The longer I’ve pondered it, the more stories I want to write for these figures.