Author Description

This beautiful book is the second in a four-part series that paints a picture of Dutch art from the late middle ages to the beginning of the twentieth century. The series provides a broad panorama of the achievements of Dutch painters, draughtsmen, sculptors, gold and silversmiths, glass engravers, weavers, potters, and cabinetmakers over the centuries, illustrating its survey with a selection of works of art taken from the unparalleled collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. This volume, which focuses on the period from 1600 to 1700, places the works from this magnificent period in their historical context and discusses their origins, significance, and distinguishing features. The book is arranged chronologically in three sections, each opening with a brief introduction that sketches the historical and art-historical outlines of the period and each including reproductions and discussions of the works of art. Longer essays in the beginning of the book address other issues that illuminate the art of the period. Although the book focuses on works from the Rijksmuseum, it includes illustrations of key works from other sources as well. Together the text and the many reproductions form a book that will become a treasured possession of visitors to the Rijksmuseum and of art lovers everywhere.