A Worldly Art: The Dutch Republic, 1585-1718

By Mariet Westermann

Book Overview

Newly independent in 1585, the increasingly prosperous and politically powerful Dutch Republic experienced a tremendous rise in the production of artwork that was unparalleled in quantity, variety, and beauty. Now back in print, this classic book (originally published in 1996) examines the country's rich artistic culture in the seventeenth century, providing a full account of Dutch artists and patrons; artistic themes and techniques; and the political and social world in which artists worked. Distinguished art historian Mari t Westermann examines the "worldly art" of this time in the context of the unique society that produced it, analyzing artists' choices and demonstrating how their pictures tell particular stories about the Dutch Republic, its people, and its past. More than 100 color illustrations complement this engaging discussion of an extraordinary moment in the history of art.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0300107234
• ISBN13: 9780300107234
• Release Date: March 2005
• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 1.16 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.5" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

A Wordly Art: The Dutch Republic, 1585 - 1718

I purchased this text for a class recently. This little book is quite dense with information. So much so that I've reread and reread. It's very affordable and highly informative on Dutch Baroque Art.

Keep this one always

This book is beautifully printed and full of not only splendid pictures, but much useful information. This is the kind of book to put on your shelf for reference over and over. And, on a gloomy day, it will be a delight to get out and look through again.

Brilliant Book in a Brilliant Series

The Dutch Golden Age wasn't high on my list of favorites -- until this book came along.This, in common with other volumes in the "Perspectives" series, offers high quality (though small) reproductions of important works, up-to-date analysis and discussion of the art and the contexts in which it was created. It does all this while also offering two things that are rare in art books -- clear, well-written prose accessible to a lay audience, and a reasonable price. An excellent introduction to the subject, and a wonderful addition to any library.

Enjoyable and Informative

This book has many strengths: a large number of color photographs, the latest scholarship, and a variety of interpretative considerations. Westermann organizes the book thematically instead of by genre, which allows the reader to grasp the wholeness of Dutch art. Weaknesses: landscape and the contributions of Rembrandt are not given their due. Overall, a fine work that is appropriate both for the layman and the scholar.

Best short introduction to the Dutch Golden Age

This is the best and most readable introduction to the art of the Dutch Republic that is available today. Highly recommended