The+Dutch+Golden+Age

**Dutch Golden Age**
The Dutch Golden Age took up a majority of the 17th century. The first half of the century was occupied with fighting the Eighty Years War. Once the Dutch gained their independence from Spain, however, they began to charter new territory and settle abroad. Along with this, their trade thrived as well.

During this era, The Dutch Old Masters began to prevail. Portraits became very common. Golden Age painters created what the new middle class citizens wanted to see. Large group portraits became very popular as well, with many paintings of militia guild’s or civic organizations arising. Due to the overwhelming success the country was experiencing, along with a lack of patronage to the church, paintings evolved from biblical scenes to mundane ones. Still lifes of everyday objects, landscapes, and seascapes became very popular.

While the Dutch Golden Age was 400 years ago, many buildings and museums reflect the time period. The Rijksmuseum and Scheepvaartmuseum are both found in buildings that were built during the Dutch Golden Era. There are also tours of the era around Delft, the Hague, Amsterdam, and Gouda. A visit to Amsterdam is sure to give one a good insight into this culturally influential era.