16/17th Century

The 17th century was an extremely important period in the history of art, characterized by a variety of artistic trends and developments. This era is often referred to as the “Golden Age” of art, as it produced some of the greatest masterpieces in the history of art.

The 17th century was the heyday of the Baroque, an ornate and opulent style that spread throughout Europe. Baroque artists such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Peter Paul Rubens, Rembrandt van Rijn and Caravaggio created works characterized by dramatic movement, lavish decoration and emotional intensity. The Baroque was a reaction to the religious and political upheavals of its time and emphasized sensuality, pathos and dynamism.

The art of the 17th century was closely linked to the courts and ruling houses of Europe, which often acted as patrons and sponsors of art and culture. Court painters such as Diego Velázquez, Anthony van Dyck and Hyacinthe Rigaud created portraits of nobles and kings that showcased their power and splendor. Court architects such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini and François Mansart designed magnificent palaces, castles and churches that symbolized the rule and splendour of their patrons.

Landscape painting experienced a heyday in the 17th century, with artists viewing nature as a genre in its own right and not just as a backdrop for religious or historical scenes. Landscape painters such as Claude Lorrain, Jacob van Ruisdael and Nicolas Poussin created works that emphasized the beauty, harmony and vastness of nature and often had a moral or allegorical meaning.

Still life was a popular art form in the 17th century, characterized by the depiction of everyday objects such as flowers, fruit, crockery and skulls. Still life painters such as Willem Claeszoon Heda, Clara Peeters and Juan Sánchez Cotán created works that often had a moral or symbolic meaning and addressed the transience of life and vanitas.

The 17th century was the heyday of Dutch art, with artists such as Rembrandt van Rijn, Johannes Vermeer, Frans Hals and Jan Steen creating some of the most significant masterpieces of painting. Dutch artists were known for their realistic depictions of everyday life, their use of light and shadow and their ability to portray human emotions and characters.