The Hurdy-Gurdy Girl

An ancient instrument, the hurdy-gurdy has strings like the violin which are played with a circular bow. Keys strike the notes, while a crank turns the bow. In Eastern Europe especially, the instrument became a favorite of peasants, who entertained as itinerant musicians. Here, von Piloty depicts a young girl in native costume playing her hurdy-gurdy in a vine-covered garden.

The most famous German painter of his time, Karl von Piloty began his training at the Munich art academy at the age of 14. He studied under Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, painter to the royal court. Early in his career he focused on scenes of daily life such as this one, but later produced historical subjects in the grand manner. He was made director of the art academy in 1874, and ennobled soon afterwards.