The Concert

After Bernardo Strozzi (ca 1581–1644)

A studio copy (?). 17th c. Oil, canvas

Bernardo Strozzi from Genoa was one of the most distinguished and productive genre painters in Italy in the 1st half of the 17th century. His role is central in the art history of Genoa as well as Venice. His peculiar style blends the influence of Caravaggio with that of Venetian and Flemish art. Strozzi’s genre paintings of the simple folk in scenes of everyday life became widely popular; repetitions and variations of the paintings were made at the artist’s own studio as well as outside. One of the most popular scenes was the concert of street musicians playing brass instruments, which can be seen also in the picture at the Kadriorg Art Museum.

There are several identified repetitions of the painting by the author and/or his studio; the most skilful and best known among them is the replica in the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts.