Dutch Art in a Global Age

The 17th century was a golden age for Dutch art, fueled by the Dutch Republic's growth as an economic world power. This vibrant economy provided artists with a rich context and directly influenced the art, with genre scenes and still lifes addressing the positive and negative aspects of economic and global expansion. This book offers a fresh look at 17th-century Dutch art, accompanied by authoritative essays.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 10 October 2023
Publisher: Museum of Fine Arts,Boston

The 17th century, a time of remarkable prosperity for the Dutch Republic, is often regarded as a golden era for Dutch art. This artistic flourishing was fueled by the Republic's emergence as a dominant economic force in the world. The innovative stock market and expansive global trade network provided artists with a wealth of resources and a rich context in which to create their masterpieces. The art itself was profoundly influenced by these factors, reflecting the positive and negative aspects of economic and global expansion.

The genre scenes and still lifes that are now synonymous with Dutch art exhibit a global perspective. These works often address the complexities of economic and cultural exchange, showcasing the interconnectedness of nations. By examining the world-renowned collection of Dutch paintings, works on paper, decorative arts, and illustrated books at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, this book offers a fresh and insightful perspective on 17th-century Dutch art.

The artists featured in this book are some of the most renowned names in Dutch history. Rembrandt van Rijn, known for his iconic portraits and self-portraits, Jacob van Ruisdael, celebrated for his landscapes and still lifes, Rachel Ruysch, recognized for her intricate flower paintings, Frans Hals, famous for his lively group portraits, Judith Leyster, a pioneering female artist, Gerrit van Honthorst, known for his allegorical paintings, Maria Schalcken, a skilled engraver and printmaker, Pieter Claesz, a master of still life and genre scenes, Nicolaes Maes, a renowned portrait painter, Jan van Huysum, a master of still life and landscape painting, and Johannes Vermeer, celebrated for his intricate and realistic depictions of everyday life, all contributed to the rich tapestry of 17th-century Dutch art.

Through their works, these artists not only reflected the cultural and economic developments of their time but also left a lasting impact on the art world. Their contributions continue to inspire and influence artists today, reminding us of the power of art to transcend boundaries and capture the essence of a globalized world.

Weight: 1660g
Dimension: 262 x 290 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780878468911