A Hurdy-Gurdy Player and other Musicians before a Cottage

NOTE:
Hurdy- Gurdy players were a popular subject matter in painting and images dating from the early 14th Century where it was usually angels that were depicted playing the instrument. Later on during the 16th and 17th centuries the subject matter broadened until it became acceptable to depict the player on his own. Previously symbolic of love it seems here that Droochsloot has chosen a more anecdotal depiction of a charming village scene. The accompanying musicians are playing something close to Spike Fiddles which are an unusual instrument for Dutch paintings and are thought to originate in Persia. These though appear to have pig's bladders as a resonance box and are being played upside down if they are spike fiddles.