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Genre Scenes and StudiesConfirmed
Boy with a Recorder
- Catalog
- WD-023
- Artist
- Willem Drost
- Year
- c. 1658
- Medium
- Oil on canvas
- Dimensions
- 63 × 52 cm
- Location
- Galleria Palatina, Florence
Description
A young boy holding a recorder, possibly a study of a musician or a genre piece depicting childhood. Painted during Drost's Italian period.
Analysis
Painted in Florence, this work shows possible Italian influence in its clearer lighting and softer modelling. The boy's contemplative expression and the careful rendering of the recorder demonstrate Drost's continued interest in musical subjects.
Historical Context
Painted in Florence around 1658, this is one of Drost's last known works. The previous year, Rembrandt's collection was dispersed at auction. In England, Oliver Cromwell died (September 1658), leading to political upheaval. Drost would die in Venice the following year at about age 25.