Rembrandt, Vermeer, and the Gift in Seventeenth-Century Dutch Art

Rembrandt, Vermeer, and the Gift in Seventeenth-Century Dutch Art explores the interaction between the symbolic economy of reciprocity and obligation and the artistic culture of early modern Holland, revealing a unique chapter in the interconnected history of gift-giving and art-making.

Format: Hardback
Length: 508 pages
Publication date: 09 August 2021
Publisher: Amsterdam University Press

Rewritten text:

Rembrandt, Vermeer, and the Gift in Seventeenth-Century Dutch Art presents a fresh perspective on the art of the Dutch Golden Age by delving into the intricate interplay between the symbolic economy of reciprocity and obligation and the artistic culture of early modern Holland. The prevalence of art gifts in seventeenth-century Europe was widespread, and Dutch artists, like their counterparts elsewhere, embraced the practice of gift-giving to forge connections with patrons, art enthusiasts, and fellow members of their social circles. Rembrandt, in particular, crafted unique works that were specifically designed to function within the context of gift exchange. Moreover, both Rembrandt and Vermeer critically engaged with the ethics of the gift, using it to assert that their creative labor was driven by a genuine love for art, rather than mere materialistic gain.

In the vibrant market for art within the merchant republics, networks of gift relations intertwined with the growing influence of commerce, unveiling a distinctive chapter in the interconnected history of gift-giving and artistic creation. This interplay between the symbolic exchange of gifts and the economic realities of the time shed light on the complex dynamics that shaped artistic production and consumption during the Dutch Golden Age. It highlights the ways in which artists and patrons used gifts as a means to establish and maintain social connections, promote artistic excellence, and navigate the intricate web of patronage and commerce that characterized the period.

Through its exploration of the gift's role in seventeenth-century Dutch art, Rembrandt, Vermeer, and the Gift in Seventeenth-Century Dutch Art offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between art, commerce, and society during this pivotal period. It demonstrates how the gift not only shaped artistic production but also played a significant role in shaping the cultural and social dynamics of early modern Holland. By examining the ways in which artists and patrons negotiated the ethical dimensions of gift exchange, the book provides a deeper understanding of the artistic and cultural values that defined the Dutch Golden Age.

Weight: 1360g
Dimension: 181 x 247 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789463726429