Dansende man met hoed en viool 1830 - 1880

Adolphe Mouilleron created this print of a dancing man with hat and violin in the 19th century. During this period, representations of the working class became increasingly common in art, reflecting broader shifts in society and politics. Here, the man, who is most likely a street musician, is captured mid-dance. His energetic pose is a striking contrast to the formal attire he wears: waistcoat, jacket, and tricorn hat. Perhaps Mouilleron is commenting on the societal expectations that restricted even the working class. The sheet music at his feet suggests a life dedicated to music, despite the restrictions placed on him. One wonders whether this image is a celebration of the vitality and resilience of the working class or a commentary on the constraints imposed by society. Either way, it encapsulates a moment of joyous defiance.