Fraud Blocker Skip to main content

Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > Cleveland

An African Lyre Player, c. 1640-1660. Creator: Unknown

An African Lyre Player, c. 1640-1660. Creator: Unknown


Photo Prints
Jigsaw Puzzles
Poster Prints
Canvas Prints
Fine Art Prints
Metal Prints
Cards
Home Decor


We accept all major credit cards

Heritage Images

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images

An African Lyre Player, c. 1640-1660. Creator: Unknown

An African Lyre Player, c. 1640-1660. The anonymity of the subject of this painting obscures whether this is a portrait of a historical person, or a generic depiction of a musician. The instrument in his hands is a bowl lyre, called a nanga, of the type from Nubia in northeastern Africa. Many Africans, mainly from Ethiopia, settled in the Deccan, on the western coast of southern India, where they found employment as soldiers, mercenaries, and administrators. While stereotypical associations of Africans with music and dance persist in this Deccani album page, the figure is well dressed and less caricatured than the painting from 100 years earlier of the dancing Zangi in the Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot)

Heritage Images features heritage image collections

Media ID 19616372

© Heritage Art/Heritage Images

And Gold On Paper Deccan Opaque Watercolour Recto


FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> Africa > Ethiopia (Abyssinia) > Related Images

> Africa > Ethiopia > Related Images

> Asia > India > Related Images

> Europe > United Kingdom > England > Cleveland


EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the essence of an African Lyre Player, dating back to the mid-17th century. The identity of the subject remains a mystery, leaving us to wonder if this is a portrait of a specific individual or simply a representation of a talented musician. The focal point of this image is undoubtedly the instrument in his hands - a bowl lyre known as a nanga, originating from Nubia in northeastern Africa. Its unique design and intricate craftsmanship speak volumes about the rich musical heritage that has been passed down through generations. Interestingly, this painting sheds light on an intriguing historical connection between Africa and India. During this period, numerous Africans migrated to the Deccan region on India's western coast. They found employment as soldiers, mercenaries, and administrators, contributing their skills and talents to Indian society. While some stereotypical associations persist regarding Africans and their affinity for music and dance, it is important to note that this depiction portrays our lyre player with dignity and respect. He appears well-dressed and less caricatured compared to earlier artworks such as "The Dancing Zangi" from the Tuti-nama collection. Preserved by The Cleveland Museum of Art, this remarkable piece showcases not only artistic excellence but also serves as a testament to cultural exchange throughout history. It reminds us that art has no boundaries when it comes to celebrating diversity and appreciating shared human experiences across continents.

MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools

SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you

* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.



redeem
Beautiful Photo Prints and Gifts
image
Professionally Printed
thumb_up
Professional quality finish
diamond
Made with high-grade materials
inventory_2
Carefully packed to aid safe arrival



Related Images


Henri Mauperche (French, c. 1602 - 1686), The Flaying of Marsyas, etching
Henri Mauperche (French, c. 1602 - 1686), The Flaying of Marsyas, etching
Tarantula Hawk, Pepsis heros, close up
Tarantula Hawk, Pepsis heros, close up
Grand Duchess of Luxembourg
Grand Duchess of Luxembourg
Collecting water, Hellidon, Northamptonshire a97_05936
Collecting water, Hellidon, Northamptonshire a97_05936
Lord of the Court of Ethiopia, in the modern age, color engraving 1870
Lord of the Court of Ethiopia, in the modern age, color engraving 1870
D Anni 63 Leonardo Agostini Senese Le gemme antiche
D Anni 63 Leonardo Agostini Senese Le gemme antiche
Bacco E Mercurio Le gemme antiche figurate Agostini
Bacco E Mercurio Le gemme antiche figurate Agostini
Great green bush-cricket (Tettigonia viridissima) female laying eggs, Sark, British
Great green bush-cricket (Tettigonia viridissima) female laying eggs, Sark, British
Door curtain, 1800s. Creator: Unknown
Door curtain, 1800s. Creator: Unknown
Wedding Veil, 1800s. Creator: Unknown
Wedding Veil, 1800s. Creator: Unknown
Orpheus, c. 1903-1910. Creator: Odilon Redon (French, 1840-1916)
Orpheus, c. 1903-1910. Creator: Odilon Redon (French, 1840-1916)
Mother and Child, 1886. Creator: Pierre-Auguste Renoir (French, 1841-1919)
Mother and Child, 1886. Creator: Pierre-Auguste Renoir (French, 1841-1919)

+

Shipping

+

Choices

+

Reviews

+

Guaranteed




Related Collections


Ethiopia (Abyssinia) Related Images
Ethiopia (Abyssinia) Related Images
Browse 2,145 Prints
India Related Images
India Related Images
Browse 28,996 Prints
Ethiopia Related Images
Ethiopia Related Images
Browse 2,681 Prints
Cleveland
Cleveland
Browse 17,205 Prints