Accession Number
1974/1.120

Title
Street Musicians

Artist(s)
Eugène Atget

Artist Nationality
French (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
1898 - 1899

Medium & Support
gold-toned gelatin silver print on paper

Dimensions
10 in x 13 in (25.4 cm x 33.02 cm)

Credit Line
Museum Purchase

Subject matter
This photograph of an organ grinder and, presumably, a young girl who is singing along with his music, is one of the few images in which Atget seems interested in capturing a spontaneous gesture. The grinning girl with her outward thrusting chest encapsulates a fleeting moment, somewhat at odds with the still expression of the organ player who gravely meets our eyes. Atget has closely framed the image so only a dark garment on the street in front of the pair that may serve as the collection basket for donations is visible.

Physical Description
An organ grinder and a young girl perform on a Paris street.

Primary Object Classification
Photograph

Collection Area
Photography

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.

Keywords
Entertainers
Figures
Musicians
Urban life
documentary photography
girl
males
man
modern and contemporary art
musicians
organs (aerophones)
street entertainers
street scenes
streets