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Entity explores the life of one of the famous women in history Barbara Strozzi.

In our ongoing series, #WomenThatDid, ENTITY profiles inspirational and famous women in history whose impact on our world can still be felt today. If you have a suggestion for a historical powerhouse you would like to see featured, tweet us with the hashtag #WomenThatDid. 

Name: Barbara Strozzi

Lifetime: 1619 – November 11, 1677

What She’s Known For: This successful Italian singer and composer is known for her Baroque compositions. She was one of only a few women to publish compositions in the 17th century.

Why We Love Her: Barbara Strozzi made a name for herself at a time when few other women could read or write. Her adoptive father helped give her the education and lessons she needed to have a career in music. In 1637, her father opened Accademia degli Incogniti (Academy of the Unknowns) where Strozzi studied music and was present during many discussions of literature, ethics, aesthetics, religion and art, reports Britannica.

The members of the Academy often challenged her to write music for silly love poems but she easily adapted “to the demands of the text,” according to AllMusic. Although she was accused of being a courtesan, most respected Stozzi’s expertise in music and knew her as a renowned musician. She tried to publish novels to make more money; however, they were not very well-received and as a result she did not have a steady income for most of her life.

She worked hard through it and, in her lifetime, published eight collections of music between 1644 and 1665.

Fun Fact: A portrait of Strozzi named “Female Musician with Viola da Gamba” painted by Bernardo Strozzi (no relation) hangs in art museum Gemäldegalerie in Dresden, Germany.

READ MORE: Christine de Pizan: A Feminist to be Reckoned With in Medieval Europe

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