Joueur d’orgue by Eugene Atget (1898-99)

The photograph “Joueur d’orgue” is a work by Eugene Atget, taken sometime in 1898-99. It captures a street musician with an organ grinder, which appears to be housed on a wheeled cart. The musician is an older man with facial hair, wearing a hat and a long coat, standing behind the cart and turning the lever of the organ. There’s also a young boy cheerfully leaning on the cart, looking up at the organ player. Both are positioned against the backdrop of a building with closed shutters, giving a glimpse into the street life of the era in which the photo was taken. The image conveys a sense of livelihood and perhaps hints at the cultural atmosphere of the time.

Other Photographs from Eugene Atget

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