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Blind Tom

Blind Tom
Artist
George Kendall Warren, 1834 - 29 Nov 1884
Sitter
Thomas Greene Wiggins, 25 May 1849 - 13 Jun 1908
Date
c. 1882
Type
Photograph
Medium
Albumen silver print
Dimensions
Image: 11.5 x 9.1 cm (4 1/2 x 3 9/16")
Sheet: 14.7 x 10.2 cm (5 13/16 x 4")
Mount: 16.5 x 10.7 cm (6 1/2 x 4 3/16")
Mat: 45.7 x 35.6 cm (18 x 14")
Topic
Home Furnishings\Furniture\Seating\Chair
Home Furnishings\Furniture\Table
Photographic format\Carte-de-visite
Interior\Studio\Photography
Thomas Greene Wiggins: Male
Thomas Greene Wiggins: Performing Arts\Performer\Musician
Thomas Greene Wiggins: Performing Arts\Performer\Musician\Composer
Thomas Greene Wiggins: Performing Arts\Performer\Musician\Pianist
Portrait
Credit Line
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution
Restrictions & Rights
CC0
Object number
NPG.2000.14
Exhibition Label
Born Harris County, Georgia
The musical prodigy Thomas Greene Wiggins— known as “Blind Tom”—was one of the most celebrated African American concert artists of the nineteenth century. Blind from birth and possibly autistic, Tom was only four when he began performing tunes he had heard played on the piano of the man who enslaved him, James Bethune. Tom made his professional debut as a pianist in 1857, at the age of eight, and was soon earning a fortune for Bethune with engagements throughout the country.
When the Civil War began, Tom was returned to Georgia and compelled to play benefit concerts for the Confederate cause. To protect his financial interest in Tom, Bethune obtained legal guardianship of the teenager. This effectively prevented him from ever securing his freedom. After the war, Tom continued his career, performing a demanding repertoire with skill “so startling as to amaze every listener.”
Data Source
National Portrait Gallery
Location
Currently not on view