5 characteristics of Dutch BAROQUE painting and works

He XVII century It was a golden age for the Netherlands, known at that time as the Netherlands. A flourishing economy, a rich artistic culture and their prominent role in world trade gave them prominent status in modern Europe. Although they also faced challenges and conflicts, the 17th century left a lasting legacy for the history of the Netherlands.

At the time, the Netherlands was dominated by the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands, a federation of autonomous provinces, and fought against the Spanish Empire in the long conflict of the Eighty Years' War (1568-1648). A war that resulted in the independence of the Netherlands and the establishment of a parliamentary republic. Political stability and the rise of trade at the hands of the Dutch East India Company generated a brilliant cultural and artistic activity.

In this lesson of unPROFESOR.com we tell you what were the characteristics of Dutch baroque painting and the most outstanding works.

Dutch Baroque painting is also known as Dutch Golden Age painting, a period of great artistic and cultural activity in the region, with painting playing a fundamental role in the representation of Dutch society at the time. Below we review with you what were the Characteristics of Dutch Baroque painting:

1. realism and naturalism

Dutch Baroque painters wanted to represent reality as they saw it, without idealizing it. The works are very detailed and they try to accurately capture both objects and people or landscapes.

2. There is a preference for everyday topics of domestic life

Thus, Dutch Baroque painting focuses on themes of daily life, portraits, landscapes, still lifes and genre scenes. The Dutch bourgeoisie constitutes the main clientele of the artists and these are the themes, interests and values ​​that they seek in the works.

3. Use of chiaroscuro

These painters dominated the chiaroscuro technique with areas that contrast as some are illuminated and others are in shadow. The play of light and shadow adds depth and drama to the compositions.

4. The works are given great detail

Dutch painters are skilled in rendering the most minute details, especially in textures, perspective, and decorative elements.

5. balanced compositions

Dutch artists represent complex scenes, but always maintaining a balanced and harmonious composition.

Discover the general characteristics of Dutch painting.

Dutch Baroque painting from the Dutch Golden Age includes a number of renowned painters and a significant number of relevant works. Below we offer you a series of works of Dutch Baroque painting more important.

“Windmills at Kinderdijk” (circa 1629), by Jacob Van Ruisdael

This painter was a notable landscape painter, this work being one of his most famous landscapes. This painting depicts the iconic Dutch windmills in a scene that captures the atmosphere and meticulously details the beauty and serenity of the surroundings and buildings.

"The Night Watch" (1639-1642), by Rembrandt Van Rijn

This is considered one of the most famous paintings in the history of art and one of the most representative of Rembrandt. A masterpiece that represents a most everyday theme, a round of the night militia. A work of great compositional complexity in which a masterful use of chiaroscuro and light-dark is made. painter recreates himself in details, also contributing great expressiveness to the faces of the characters portrayed. we leave you a commentary and analysis of The Night Watch.

"Girl with a Pearl Earring" (1665-1667), by Johannes Vermeer

This is an enigmatic painting made by Veermer, another of the great painters of the time, this being one of his most recognized works. The work represents a young man dressed in some of the most exotic and sumptuous elements (turban and pearl in one of his ears), something very much to the taste of the bourgeoisie of the time, as well as capturing the beauty and serenity of the young. we leave you a Girl with a Pearl Earring review.

"The Astronomer" (1668), by Johannes Vermeer

Another notable work by Vermeer is "The Astronomer", a painting that portrays an astronomer immersed in his studies. The painting is distinguished by its luminosity and the successful expression of concentration of the central character.

"Still Life with Flowers and Fruit" (1720), by Jan Van Huysum

Jan Van Huysum is another of the great painters of still lifes, being a notable example of the mastery that this author developed in this genre. The painting shows an exquisite arrangement of flowers and fruits, standing out for its precision and the depth achieved.

In a Teacher you will find a review of the main representatives of baroque painting.

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• VALDEARCOS, E. Dutch and Flemish Baroque painting. Clio, 2008, vol. 34, no. 18, p. 1-7.
• VEGA BUSTAMANTE, Jorge. Baroque. Historical Repertoire of the Antioquia Academy of History, 2005, vol. 100, no. 8, p. 146-155.