Table of Contents

• I. First Works in Detroit, 1878-1879
• II. Military History Paintings 1880-1887
• III. The Paris Paintings, 1887-1890
• IV. Works for publisher, George Barrie, 1892-1893
• V. Portraits, 1880-1904
• VI. Drawings and Illustrations, 1880-1909
• VII. Sculpture
• VIII. Later Military Works, 1895-1900
• IX. Genre Works and Final Paintings, 1895-1908
• X. The Book
• XI. Photographs

Black Musician, 1906

Dr. Aron and Joan Fisher

Vital Statistics

Alternate title: The Fiddler
Oil on canvas, 18 x 22¼ inches
Unsigned
Inscribed in pencil on stretcher, “Mary Hillborn painted by Wm. T. Trego.”
Dr. Aron and Joan Fisher

Commentary

An inscription on the stretcher tells us that Trego painted this work for his cousin, Mary Trego Hillborn. It was very likely down at her request and may represent individuals of her acquaintance. When compared with portrayals of African-Americans by some of his contemporaries—Thomas Hovenden’s several portraits of his neighbor, Samuel Jones, for instance—Trego’s Black Musician seems more playful and light hearted.

Provenance

Trego painted this for his cousin, Mary Trego Hillborn. It passed to her granddaughter, Patricia Carleton, who eventually consigned it to Samuel Freeman’s auction in Philadelphia, June 2006. It was purchased at Freeman’s by the current owners.

Exhibitions

Doylestown, Pennsylvania, James A. Michener Art Museum, June 3-Oct 2, 2011: "So Bravely and So Well: The Life and Art of William T. Trego."

Condition

The painting was cleaned by the Gratz Gallery and Conservation Studio in 2011 and is in good condition.

< The Lady of Shalott, 1905   Evening, Into the Barn, 1906 >

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