Blieden, 1957, 12" x 22
Obviously inspired by Zero Mostel and "Fiddler on the Roof", Blieden has taken a few liberties as he re-interprets the classic figure of the fiddler. The green overcoat sways somberly in rhythm to the slow, mournful sounds coming from the violin in stark contrast to the boisterous plaid trousers which hang loosely around the fiddler's legs.
Postscript - Shown at right is the true "inspiration" for this piece, the Chagall original. It is uncertain why Blieden has dispensed with reproducing the houses, clouds, and mystical elements of the original or why he uses the green hue from the Chagall face for his fiddler's coat. I guess that's why they're called "artistic liberties"....