The Dutch Golden Age encompasses most of the second half of the 17th century, after the Dutch won their Independence from Spain (1648). During this time, Dutch explorers charted new territory and settled abroad. Trade by the Dutch East-India Company thrived, and war heroes from the naval battles became national heroes. Meanwhile, the Dutch Masters began to prevail in the art world, creating a depth of realistic portraits of people and life in the area that has hardly been surpassed. The painters depicted the scenes that their discerning new middle class patrons wanted to see. This new wealth from merchant activities and exploration combined with a lack of church patronage shifted art subjects from biblical to the mundane. Together with one of our guides expert in arts, dive into the Dutch Golden Age visiting 3 of the finest collections of paintings from the Dutch Masters:
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam (Special Vermeer Exhibition: From the 10th of February to the 4th of June, 2023)
The Frans Hals Museum in Haarlem
The Mauritshuis in The Hague