THE BAND OF SAVOYARDS.
Date1785
After work by
Henry William Bunbury
1750 - 1811
Engraver
Charles Knight
1743-1827(?)
Publisher
William Dickinson
OriginEngland, London
MediumEtching and stipple engraving with hand coloring
DimensionsOverall: 15 5/8 × 19 1/2 in (39.69 × 49.53cm)
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1956-119
DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "A BAND OF SAVOYARDS./ H. Bunbury Esq.r Delin.t/ Engrav'd by C. Knight/ LONDON Publish'd Sep.r 20.th, 1785 by W. DICKINSON, Engraver & Printseller N.o 158 Bond Street."Label TextThis print depicts drama within a musical group while they perform in the streets of a town. Savoyards were natives of Savoy, a region of southeastern France. Traditionally associated with itinerant musicians, Savoyards were frequently depicted with musical instruments or as musical troupes in eighteenth century prints. In this print, the organ grinder glares at the sight of a soldier flirting with one of the members of troupe who carries a hurdy-gurdy. The growling dog at the organ grinder's feet mirrors his resentment. Two friars stand listening and watch the conflict unfold.ProvenanceBefore 1956, the Old Print Shop (New York, NY); 1956-present, purchased by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA).
