Examining Dutch Art and our Relationship to it

Examining Dutch Art and Our Relationship to it

The Netherland's rich history has resulted in a plethora of art styles, each with its own unique nuances, colors, and forms, lending itself to her vast cultural and artistic heritage. Dutch art has also, in turn, had a tremendous influence on all of the major art movements that have taken place throughout the centuries and continues to inspire a generation of new artists, designers, and creators. But what exactly is Dutch art, why do we appreciate it, and how has it formed our relationship to it?

The Beginnings of Dutch Art

The Netherland's artistic history can be traced all the way back to the Middle Ages, where works from the Byzantine court, Gothic, Romanesque, and Renaissance periods have all been found. In the 15th and 16th centuries, humanistic art blossomed, influencing portraiture, religious iconography, and everyday imagery. This style is further intertwined with Dutch Golden Age, which began in the late 16th century and was defined by works of great masters like Rembrandt, Rubens, and Vermeer. This style also brought forth the advent of genre painting, which often featured scenes of everyday life and exotic locales—a popular theme at the time.

How Dutch Art has Evolved since the Golden Age

Since the Dutch Golden Age, the Netherlands has seen a tremendous amount of artistic movements, from Romanticism and Realism, to the modern Abstract Expressionism of the 19th and 20th centuries. This period of experimentation and dynamism has allowed for continual growth and exploration in the visual arts and has given rise to a wide range of Dutch genres, style, and forms. From Neo-Impressionism to the rise of Dutch photography in the 20th century, every era has had its own distinct mark on the Dutch artistic palette.
Oleg Laptev @ Unsplash

The Influence of Dutch Art on other Styles and Movements

Throughout history, the Netherland's has remained a hub of creativity and experimentation, spreading both its influence and its aesthetic overseas. Many points of influence can be found in various pockets of Europe, the United States, and even in parts of Asia and Australasia. The Dutch Golden Age in particular can be seen in the works of American painters such as Thomas Cole, Winslow Homer, and Childe Hassam. Furthermore, Dutch aesthetics can also be seen in the Neo-Gothic and Renaissance-inspired architecture found throughout Europe.

What We Appreciate about Dutch Art

So why do we appreciate Dutch art? One of the main draws of the Netherlands' artistic landscape is its variety. The Dutch have a talent for crafting works in almost any genre imaginable, from still lifes, to abstract works, to portraiture, and landscapes. Furthermore, Dutch painters are renowned for their ability to capture light, conveying a feeling of tranquility and serenity in their works. This sense of calm has been calming and inspiring for a great many people throughout the centuries, and continues to do so to this day.

Dutch Art in the 21st Century

Today, the Netherlands boasts a thriving arts community that continues to influence art and culture around the globe. Contemporary Dutch art incorporates a variety of different elements, from traditional Dutch themes and symbols, to modern visual media, such as digital art and photography. As the Netherland's vibrant artistic community continues to grow, so do the variety and scope of the art it produces. I love my city.
Wojtek Witkowski @ Unsplash

Examining Our Relationship to Dutch Art

Ultimately, the diversity, dynamism, and variety of the Netherland's art has left behind a legacy of influence and appreciation. We come to recognize and appreciate the talents of Dutch painters and the variety of art that they have produced, and the world continues to benefit from their creative contributions in the present day.

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