Dudelsackpfeifer c. 1880

Franz von Stuck’s *Dudelsackpfeifer* (c. 1880) is a watercolor painting depicting a young man, likely a shepherd, playing a bagpipe while perched on a branch. The subject is surrounded by butterflies, a small goat, a jug, and a blue ribbon, all of which suggest a rural and idyllic setting. The whimsical nature of the scene, as well as the light and airy brushstrokes, are characteristic of Stuck’s early symbolist style. The artwork, while lacking any specific narrative, evokes a sense of carefree joy and rustic charm.