Explore Dutch Golden Age painting

Approximately spanning the 17th century, the Dutch Golden Age refers to a period of history in what is today The Netherlands during which trade, colonization, and innovation was preeminent in Europe. Dutch painters like Johannes Vermeer, Frans Hals, Rembrandt van Rijn, Rachel Ruysch, and many more rose to prominence through a system of patronage. Unlike much Baroque painting being made during this time throughout other parts of Europe, Dutch artists emphasized more realistic, less romanticized themes like landscapes, maritime events, history painting, portraits, peasant scenes, and still lifes.