Black Musician, 1906
Dr. Aron and Joan Fisher
Vital Statistics
Alternate title: The FiddlerOil 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.