Straatmuzikant met draaiorgel 1825 - 1882

This small etching presents a street musician with a barrel organ, created by Jacobus Ludovicus Cornet in the 19th century. During this time, rapid industrialization led to significant social changes. Cornet captures a figure who ekes out a living through street performance. The man’s humble attire and the weight of his instrument suggest a life marked by hardship. Street musicians occupied a precarious position in society, often viewed with a mix of pity and disdain by the middle and upper classes. They represent one of the many disenfranchised groups in a quickly modernizing world. The print offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of the working class, reflecting on the dignity and resilience of individuals navigating economic challenges. Cornet’s image serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of progress.