Half-length portrait of the blind composer and pianist. Tom, attired in a white collared shirt, a tie, and a jacket, faces left with his eyes closed. Thomas Greene Wiggins also known as Thomas Bethune was born blind in Georgia to Charity and Domingo "Mingo" Wiggins. The family was enslaved by General James Neil Bethune, who hired Tom out to perform and tour extensively. He was a musical prodigy who could play by ear. He wrote over one hundred compositions and performed throughout his lifetime., Title from manuscript note written on mount., Date inferred from photographic medium and attire of the sitter., American Celebrities Album., Purchase 1985., Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022., Retrospective conversion record: original entry, edited.
Date
[ca. 1870]
Location
Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department American Celebrities Album [(II)P.9100.44c]
