Dutch Painting

In this solid entry in the World of Art series, art historian Schwartz (Rembrandt’s Universe) surveys the context, systems, and styles of 17th-century Dutch painting. He attributes the abundance of Dutch artists during the period partly to the fact that the Netherlands was more urbanized than many other parts of Europe, with an abundance of cities where wealthy households and institutions were in need of decoration. He explains that most painters received work via patronage from members of the Dutch aristocracy, churches, local governments, and civic institutions like hospitals (commissions usually came through family or personal connections, though art dealers also made sales). During the second half of the century, as wealth became concentrated in fewer hands, Dutch painters competed more fiercely, leading to masterpieces but also causing some artists—including greats like Rembrandt and Vermeer—to fall on hard times. The economic situation also shaped how artists painted, the author observes, noting that limited color tones and loose brushstrokes allowed painters to “increase productivity and lower costs.” Devoting relatively little space to the superstars of Dutch art, the author takes a welcome look at overlooked figures like Adriaen van der Werff, who used a “fine brush” style to depict religious scenes, and Hollanders Willem van de Velde de Oude, a once prominent painter of seascapes. Art students will especially benefit from this comprehensive overview. (May)