Draaiorgelspeler en vrouw met tamboerijn Possibly 1772 - 1833

This engraving by Mathias de Sallieth depicts a street musician with a barrel organ and a woman playing the tambourine. The print provides a glimpse into the world of street entertainment in the Netherlands during the late 18th century. At this time, Dutch society was highly stratified, with a clear distinction between the wealthy merchant class and the working poor. Street musicians occupied a precarious position, relying on the generosity of passersby for their livelihood. The barrel organ, a mechanical instrument that could play pre-programmed tunes, was a popular form of entertainment. De Sallieth's image provides insight into the social and economic conditions that shaped the lives of ordinary people. By studying such artworks alongside historical documents, such as census records, newspapers, and personal letters, we can gain a deeper understanding of the past and the role of art in reflecting and shaping social realities.