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...