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Dutch Golden Age painting
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"Dutch Masters" redirects here; for the cigar, see Dutch Masters (cigar).
Dutch Golden Age painting is a period of painting in Dutch history. It occurred during the Dutch Golden Age, a period in Dutch history generally spanning the 17th century, in which Dutch trade, science, and art were among the most acclaimed in the world.
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Encyclopedia
"Dutch Masters" redirects here; for the cigar, see Dutch Masters (cigar).
Dutch Golden Age painting is a period of painting in Dutch history. It occurred during the Dutch Golden Age, a period in Dutch history generally spanning the 17th century, in which Dutch trade, science, and art were among the most acclaimed in the world. The painters of this era have left a profound legacy.
At the time, there was a "hierarchy of genres" in painting, whereby some types were regarded as more prestigous than others. In descending order of status:
Combinations of these categories occurred. Allegories, in which painted objects conveyed symbolic meaning about the subject, were often applied. For instance, a still life might include a skull, an hourglass and a snuffed out candle, symbols which all emphasized mortality. Seasons were often indicated by human activities that were typical for that time of the year (skating, sowing, harvesting, etc). Paintings often had a moralistic message hidden under the surface.
History painting
This category comprises not only paintings that depicted real historical events, but also paintings that showed biblical, mythological, literary and allegorical scenes. Large dramatic historical or Biblical scenes were produced less frequently than in other countries, where religious and noble patrons of art often sought to overawe the viewer. Dutch painters, especially in the northern provinces, tried instead to invoke emotion on the part of the viewer by letting him/her be a bystander on a scene of profound intimacy. As such Rembrandt and Rubens are striking examples of large differences in style between Dutch painters from the northern Low Countries, the Dutch Republic, and Flanders in the south.
Many great Dutch painters were inspired and influenced by Italian painters during their formative years. Copies of Italian masterpieces circulated and suggested certain compositional schemes. Dutch painters became absolute masters of the treatment of light, which could partly be traced back to Italian predecessors, notably Caravaggio. Some Dutch painters also travelled to Italy to make firsthand observations.
(Group) portraits
Portrait painting thrived in the Netherlands in the 17th century. Many portraits were commissioned by wealthy individuals. Group portraits similarly were often ordered by prominent members of a city's civilian guard, by boards of trustees and regents, and the like.
Especially in the first half of the century, portraits were very formal and stiff in composition. Groups were often seated around a table, each person looking at the viewer. Much attention was paid to fine details in clothing, and where applicable, to furniture and other signs of a person's position in society. Later in the century groups became livelier and colours brighter.
Scientists often posed with instruments and objects of their study around them. Physicians sometimes posed together around a cadaver, a so called 'Anatomical Lesson', the most famous one being Rembrandt's Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp (1632, Mauritshuis, The Hague). Boards of trustees preferred an image of austerity and humility, posing in dark clothing (which by its refinement testified to their prominent standing in society), often seated around a table, with solemn expressions on their faces. Families often had themselves portrayed inside their luxurious homes.
Most group portraits of civilian guards (Dutch: schutterstuk) were commissioned in Haarlem and Amsterdam. Here the portrayed favoured an image of might, status or even a joyous spirit. The arrangement around a table would give way in later years to a more dynamic composition, the most prominent example being Rembrandt's famous The Militia Company of Captain Frans Banning Cocq better known as the Night Watch (1642, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam). In Amsterdam most of these paintings would ultimately end up in the possession of the city council. Many of these are now on display in the Amsterdam Historical Museum.
Often group portraits were paid for by each portrayed person individually. The amount paid determined each person's place in the picture, either head to toe in full regalia in the foreground or face only in the back of the group. Sometimes all group members paid an equal sum, which was likely to lead to quarrels when some members gained a more prominent place in the picture than others.
Scenes of every day life
Many genre paintings, which seemingly only depicted everyday life, actually illustrated Dutch proverbs and sayings, or conveyed a moralistic message, the meaning of which is not always easy to decipher in modern times. All walks of life were shown. Today these genre paintings provide many insights into the daily life of 17th century citizens of all classes.
Landscapes and cityscapes
Landscape painting was a major genre in the 17th century. Flemish landscapes (particularly from Antwerp) of the 16th century first served as an example. These had been not particularly realistic, having been painted mostly in the studio, partly from imagination. Soon this trend changed, and real Dutch landscapes became prevalent. Drawings were made on site. Horizons were lowered, which made it possible to emphasize the often impressive cloud formations that were (and are) so typical in the climate of the region, and which cast a particular light. Favourite topics were the dunes along the western sea coast, rivers with their broad adjoining meadows where cattle grazed, often with the silhouette of a city in the distance. Winter landscapes with frozen canals and creeks also abounded. The sea was a favourite topic as well since the Low Countries depended on it for trade, battled with it for new land, and battled on it with competing nations. Pictures of sea battles told the stories of a Dutch navy at the peak of its glory.
Architecture also fascinated the Dutch, churches in particular. The exteriors and interiors of buildings were reproduced faithfully. During the century insights into the proper rendering of perspective grew and were enthusiastically applied.
Still lifes
Still lifes were a great opportunity to show one's aptitude in painting textures and surfaces in great detail and with realistic light effects. Food of all kinds laid out on a table, silver cutlery, intricate patterns and subtle folds in table cloths and flowers all challenged painters. Painters from Leiden, The Hague, and Amsterdam particularly excelled in the genre.
The most famous Dutch painters of the 17th century were: Ferdinand Bol, Albert Cuyp, Gerard Dou, Willem Drost, Carel Fabritius, Govert Flinck, Jan van Goyen, Frans Hals, Pieter de Hooch, Pieter Pieterszoon Lastman, Judith Leyster, Jan Lievens, Nicolaes Maes, Maria van Oosterwyck, Adriaen van Ostade, Paulus Potter, Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, Rachel Ruysch, Pieter Saenredam, Jan Steen, Johannes Vermeer.
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