The Hurdy-Gurdy Player (French: Le Vielleur) is an oil-on-canvas painting by Georges de La Tour.
The beggar's distorted face and worn clothing are designed to invoke sympathy in the viewer for his situation.
The existence of a fly on the singer's doublet (above his right knee) gives the work its alternative name and, in its proximity to such a beautiful instrument, can be interpreted as a comment on the fragility of life.
The city collection bought it and it was hung in mayor Bertrand Geslin's office in the town hall, before being moved to its present home in 1830.
From 1923 doubts about the attribution of the painting began to surface but it was not until 1934–35 that general acceptance of its authorship, primarily by comparison with other similar works by the artist, was achieved.