The Old Fiddler's Dreams

Browse the collection

Artist Victoria Ebbels Hutson Huntley (American, 1900–1971)

Title The Old Fiddler's Dreams

Date 1943

Medium Lithograph on paper

Dimensions Image: 14 3/4 x 11 5/8 in. (37.5 x 29.5 cm)
Sheet: 14 3/4 x 11 5/8 in. (37.5 x 29.5 cm)

Credit Line Gift of Thomas T. Solley, Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University

Accession Number 68.123.94

Share this artwork!

About this Work

Victoria Huntley's print recalls “Fiddler’s Dream,” an old fiddle tune originally from Scotland and Ireland that was played in America as early as the 1700s. Early titles from Scotland include the following: “The De’il Among the Tailors,” “Devil’s Tailor,” and “Devil’s Dream.”

In this image, the old fiddler plays as a young couple dances. The juxtaposition of youth and old age recalls the vanitas theme of the song’s final chorus:

Young devils find even they must grow old
Love that was always so warm has grown cold
Their sweet things have vanished and sweet dreams have flown
Sleep when it comes finds them sleeping alone

Provenance
More Details

Provenance research is ongoing for this and many other items in the Eskenazi Museum of Art permanent collection. For more information about the provenance of this artwork, please contact the department curator with specific questions.

Publisher Associated American Artists

Viewing Information
This artwork is currently off display. You may be able to see this artwork by filling out an art viewing room request.

Request this Image
The Eskenazi Museum of Art provides images of its collection, free of charge, upon request. This artwork is under copyright protection. You can request the image and it will be emailed to you when the request is complete.

Cite this Page
"The Old Fiddler's Dreams | Collections Online." Collections Online. Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University, 2024. https://artmuseum.indiana.edu/collections-online/browse/object.php?number=68.123.94