Straatzangers (The Street Singers)

Johan van Hell

Two of the figures in Straatzangers, the woman and the male singer in the cap, are also featured in van Hell’s painting of the same title from 1928. Music was one of his passions and depictions of street singers and market vendors became his hallmark. Rather than performing in an opera house or a concert venue, these musicians sing and play on the street for the masses. With their music and voices, they entertain and uplift their follow citizens.