The ten greatest masterpieces of the Dutch golden age
In the 17th century, the Dutch republic became an economic and military superpower. It was also an era in which Dutch science and arts blossomed. This era is usually referred to as the Dutch Golden Age.
All art forms flourished in this era, but the Golden Age is especially remembered for its painters. Artists like Rembrandt, Johannes (or Jan) Vermeer, Jan Steen, Paulus Potter and Frans Hals all painted their masterpieces in Holland in the 17th century.
Contents
1. Night watch
Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn (1606-1669)

Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn, better known by his first name Rembrandt, is the most famous of the Dutch Golden Age painters, and one of the greatest artists of all time.
The Company of Frans Banning Cocq and Willem van Ruytenburch, better known as The night watch, is Rembrandt's masterpiece. It is a militia painting, but quite unlike the many other militia paintings from this era. Militia paintings are usually static, with people standing in rows, or seated at a banquet. The night watch is dynamic, a group of men in action. Also special is the lighting, effectively used to draw attention to Frans Banning Cocq and Willem van Ruytenburch in the centre, and the girl on the left.
Due to the darkening over time of the varnish on the painting's surface, the painting looked like a night scene - hence its nickname night watch. The darkened varnish has been removed in the 1940s.
A Rembrandt in your home
2. Girl with a pearl earring
Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675)

Girl with a pearl earring, also known as Girl with a turban, is Vermeer's most popular painting. A young woman with a turban and a pearl earring, looking over her shoulder to see who's standing behind her.
The painting is probably not a portrait (Dutch women did not wear turbans), but a so-called tronie, a study of a head. Vermeer probably used a model for this painting, but it is unknown who she was.
A Vermeer in your home
3. Jewish bride
Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn (1606-1669)

The Jewish bride is one of Rembrandt's most famous paintings, but it is unclear who are depicted. In the early 19th century, someone identified the people on the painting as a Jewish father, hanging a necklace around his daughter's neck on her wedding day. The painting has been known as The Jewish bride ever since, even though nowadays nobody doubts the people on the painting are a couple, and not a bride with her father.
The "official" name of the painting is Portrait of two figures from the Old Testament.
4. Milkmaid
Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675)

Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) was not a very prolific painter - fewer than 40 of his paintings are known, and it is unlikely he painted many more than those. Most of his works, including The milk maid, are of domestic interior scenes, possibly of his own house.
5. Gypsy girl
Frans Hals (c.1580-1666)

Frans Hals (1580/81-1666) was a master of portrait painting. His work also includes large group portraits, but he really shines in portraits of individuals.
This portrait is known as the Gypsy girl, but is probably the portrait of a prostitute.
6. Anatomy lesson
Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn (1606-1669)

The Amsterdam surgeon's guild organized an annual anatomy demonstration, aimed at their members, but (paying) visitors were also welcome. They used the body of an executed criminal. In this painting, Dr. Nicolaes Tulp, a well-known surgeon, shows the muscles of an arm to his colleagues.
The corpse belonged to Aris Kindt, a notorious Leiden criminal. He had been hanged and his body was made available for scientific research.
7. The large Dort
Aelbert Cuyp (1620-1691)

Aelbert Cuyp (1620-1691) was mostly a landscape painter. He usually painted in the area around Dordrecht.
8. The merry family
Jan Steen (1626-1679)

Jan Steen(1626-1679) is well-known for his paintings of cheerful groups in chaotic environments.
9. Laughing boy
Frans Hals (c.1580-1666)

10. The bull
Paulus Potter (1625-1654)

The bull is Potter's best known work. It is a huge (235x339cm), but extremely detailed picture of a young bull. He originally painted a smaller picture, with only the bull, but later enlarged it by sewing pieces of linen to the top and the sides, adding the farmer, cow and sheep on the left, and cattle grazing in the distance on the right. It is unclear whether the painting was a commission.
Your choice
What is your favorite?
Please vote for your favorite Dutch masterpiece, or add the masterpieces you think are missing.
Only add masterpieces from the Dutch golden age, please!
Your turn
Tell us about your favorite masterpieces
Please tell us all about your favorite masterpieces from the Dutch golden age. Do you agree with my top ten selection? Which paintings are missing? This is your chance to tell us!
by Henk
I spend most of my spare time tracing my, or helping other people trace their, ancestors. You can find my (Dutch) ancestors at my genealogy website.
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