The jolly beggars

Category

Library Item

Item no

17640

Title

The jolly beggars

Description

A large group of men and women are singing and making merry in a tavern. One man has been playing the fiddle and another, a little worse for wear, crawls out from beneath the table. A man to the far right looks very angry and is drawing his sword, whilst staring at a woman sitting on another man's knee. Two children are also fighting on the floor.

Artist / maker

Wright, J M

Engraver

J Rogers

Date

1840

Size

14.3 x 18.5 cm

Type

Engraving

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

This image is an illustration of a song written by Robert Burns. View the lyrics to the Jolly Beggars

Robert Burns is Scotland's national poet. He was born on the 25th January 1759 in Alloway, Ayrshire. He was the son of a tenant farmer and was brought up working the land, but like many sons of Scottish farmers received a good education. In 1786 he published a volume of his poetry called Poems Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect. The book was an immediate success and was the start of his transformation into a national hero. He continued to write poetry and songs until he died on the 21st July 1796 aged just 37. Every year, on the anniversary of his birth, thousands of Scots at home and abroad gather together to celebrate the poet's life and works by holding Burns Suppers.

Exhibitions with this item

Other views of this item

Related images

Related subjects

People > Adults > Men

People > Adults > Women

People > Children > Children playing

People > Entertainment and sports > Fiddlers

People > Entertainment and sports > Poets

Sport and leisure > Activities > Singing

Sport and leisure > Eating and drinking facilities > Public houses

Read how our collections have inspired people taking part in events, visits and community groups. Use the slider or navigation arrows to see more responses.