Dutch Golden Age

The Dutch Golden Age was a period in Dutch history, roughly spanning the 17^th century, in which Dutch trade, science, art and military were amongst the most acclaimed in the world.

The first half of the 17^th century was taken up by the Eighty Years’ War (the Dutch war of independence from Spain). After winning their independence, the united Dutch Republic ran the country in peace for the last half of the 17^th century.

It was during this time that Dutch explorers travelled the seas, trade by the Dutch East India Company flourished and the Dutch Old Masters began to prevail in the art world by creating realistic portraits.

Dutch Old Masters

The new wealth from trade and exploration, combined with a lack of church patronage, caused a  shift in style and subjects in art. Still lives, landscapes and seascapes became popular, reflecting the naval and trade power of the Republic. Detailed realistic portraits, both individual and in group, became a standard subject.  This artistic trend can be appreciated in some of the most noteworthy masterpieces from Dutch Old Masters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Museums

Many of the works from the old masters are on display in various museums throughout the Netherlands. Amsterdam, of course, has the greatest number of museums, including the Amsterdam Museum, the Rijksmuseum, the Hermitage Museum and the Rembrandt House museum.

The Groningen Museum currently has an exhibition -‘Rich in Groningen’- featuring many art pieces from the 17th century. The exhibition runs until November 12, 2017.

http://www.groningermuseum.nl/en/content/rich-groningen-borgs-and-city-palaces-1600%E2%80%931800

The end must come

Eventually, the prosperity of the Netherlands also lead to the downfall of the Dutch Golden Age. In 1672 French troops overran many of the Northern Provinces and the Dutch Navy wrestled with other nations, namely the English, for control of the seas and trade, leading to the three Anglo-Dutch Wars.