The Strolling Musicians

c. 1635
(Dutch, 1606–1669)
Sheet: 14.5 x 11.8 cm (5 11/16 x 4 5/8 in.); Platemark: 14.1 x 11.5 cm (5 9/16 x 4 1/2 in.)
Catalogue raisonné: Hollstein 119 (XVIII.63)
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location: not on view

Download, Print and Share

Description

Although 17th-century Holland produced neither noteworthy composers nor renowned performers, rarely has another culture produced so many visual images of music as the Dutch. In this depiction of a pair of itinerant musicians wearily shuffling from door to door, Rembrandt reveals his compassionate understanding of human frailties. The hurdy-gurdy and bagpipes, as depicted here, were frequently associated with itinerant beggars and blind street singers in paintings and prints of the period.
The Strolling Musicians

The Strolling Musicians

c. 1635

Rembrandt van Rijn

(Dutch, 1606–1669)
Netherlands

Visually Similar Artworks

Contact us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.