BARBARA STROZZI
ITALIAN, 1619-77
Barbara Strozzi was a renowned singer and composer who had eight collections of work published during her lifetime, more than some of the most famous composers of this period. Her involvement in her father’s academy (a collection of creative individuals) caused something of a scandal as women were rarely included in such gatherings. For a long time it was suspected she may have been a courtesan, but recent research has cast doubt on this due to her financial dealings and several children.
ANNA MARIA VAN SCHURMAN
GERMAN, 1607-78
One of the most learned and
