Rarities of These Lands: Art, Trade, and Diplomacy in the Dutch Republic

During the 17th century, the Dutch Republic experienced a cultural and economic boom, fueled by trade with the Ottoman Empire and other Muslim powers. Claudia Swans book "Rarities of These Lands" explores how the Dutch acquired, exchanged, and collected foreign objects, which became symbols of the Dutch Republic's national identity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 09 March 2021
Publisher: Princeton University Press

The seventeenth century was a remarkable era for Dutch trade and culture, marked by significant advancements and achievements. In the early part of this century, the northern Netherlands successfully gained independence from the Spanish crown, establishing a sovereign republic. Driven by a desire to expand its influence in global trade, the Dutch Republic engaged in diplomatic relations with the Ottoman Empire and other Muslim powers.

Central to the political and cultural identity of the Dutch Republic were the so-called "rarities" – foreign goods that were considered exotic and sought after by the Dutch. These rarities played a crucial role in shaping the nation's identity and were acquired, exchanged, stolen, valued, and collected across different regions of the world.

In her insightful and engaging book, "Rarities of These Lands," Claudia Swans delves into the intricate world of these rarities, exploring how they were obtained, exchanged, and valued. Through a comprehensive analysis, she offers a novel perspective on how the Dutch Republic transformed foreign objects into expressions of its national self-conception.

The book traces key elements of the formation of the Dutch Republic, including artistic and colonialist ventures, offering fresh insights into this momentous period in the history of the Netherlands and its material culture. Swans' analysis provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the complex interplay between politics, trade, and cultural exchange in the early modern world.

Overall, "Rarities of These Lands" is a must-read for anyone interested in Dutch history, art, and material culture. It offers a captivating account of how the Dutch Republic acquired, exchanged, and valued foreign objects, ultimately shaping its national identity and contributing to the development of global trade.

Weight: 1426g
Dimension: 263 x 215 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691207964