Who painted Double portrait of musicians?

Double portrait of musicians was painted by Bartolomeo Passarotti in 1589.

Where can I see Double portrait of musicians?

Double portrait of musicians is held by Capitoline Museums.

What movement is Double portrait of musicians?

Double portrait of musicians is associated with Mannerism.

Can I buy a print of Double portrait of musicians?

Museum-quality prints of Double portrait of musicians are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Double portrait of musicians

Bartolomeo Passarotti , 1589

Double portrait of musicians is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Bartolomeo Passarotti. It dates from 1589 and is held in the collection of the Capitoline Museums.

About this work

Overview

Bartolomeo Passarotti, a Bolognese painter active in the late sixteenth century, executed the oil painting known as Double Portrait of Musicians in 1589. The work presents two seated figures in contemporary dress, rendered from the waist up, against a subdued dark backdrop. It is presently part of the collection of the Capitoline Museums in Rome.

Subject & Meaning

The canvas portrays two male musicians, each dressed in black garments with white ruffled collars. The figure on the left clutches a recorder, while his counterpart on the right holds a transverse flute. Their heads are turned toward one another, suggesting a moment of musical dialogue or shared performance.

Technique & Style

Rendered in oil on panel, the painting displays the elongated proportions and refined surface treatment typical of the late Mannerist idiom in Bologna. Passarotti employs careful modeling of light on fabric and instrument, achieving a tactile sense of texture, while the muted background isolates the figures and emphasizes their interaction.

History & Provenance

Created in 1589, the work entered the holdings of the Capitoline Museums at an unspecified date, where it remains on display. Passarotti’s oeuvre, documented under several variant spellings of his family name, includes numerous portraits that illustrate the stylistic currents of his region during the period.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Bartolomeo Passarotti

Bartolomeo Passarotti or Passerotti (1529–1592) was an Italian painter of the mannerist period, who worked mainly in his native Bologna. His family name is also spelled Passerotti or Passarotto.