Zampogna Player, 19th-century Italian School

Black chalk, view size 28.4 x 20 cm

This drawing depicts a zampogna player leaning against a wall, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a cape. The zampogna is a musical instrument of ancient origin, belonging to the bagpipe family, which is still widely used in Italy. Its name likely derives from the Greek word *symphonia*, which refers to sounds produced simultaneously. This instrument consists of two conical pipes for the melody and one to four drone pipes, connected to a leather bag that serves as an air reservoir. Its original function was to mark the key moments of the agricultural year during traditional festivals. Its pastoral role gradually faded in favor of accompanying dances and Christmas celebrations, particularly in Abruzzo, Lazio, Puglia, Calabria, and Sicily. Hector Berlioz wrote in his Memoirs: “It was only in Rome that I noticed a form of popular instrumental music that I am strongly inclined to regard as a remnant of antiquity: I am referring to the pifferari. This is the name given to itinerant musicians who, as Christmas approaches, come down from the mountains in groups of four or five and, armed with bagpipes and pifferi (a kind of oboe), give devotional concerts before images of the Madonna. They are usually wrapped in loose brown woolen cloaks, wear the pointed hats typical of brigands, and their entire appearance is imbued with a certain mystical wildness full of originality. “I spent hours watching them in the streets of Rome, their heads slightly tilted toward their shoulders, their eyes shining with the most vivid faith, gazing with devout love at the Holy Madonna, almost as motionless as the image they were worshiping.”

The drawing is sold in a mounting that includes a pH-neutral backing board, an off-white beveled mat, a sealed protective enclosure, 2 mm-thick glass, a hanging fixture, and a modern frame. If you would like to purchase the drawing without the modern frame, please contact the gallery before making your purchase.