Seventeenth-Century Dutch and Flemish Painting

In his introduction Ivan Gaskill considers the extremely varied character of Dutch and Flemsih seventeenth century art. It ranges from minutely observed scens of everyday life to portraits, religious works and intimate still-life compositions.

The Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection is especially rich in landscapes, a subject which had emerged as a seperate genre in the Netherlands in the previous century. The author outlines the development of painting on both sides of the border, placing it in its social and historical context, and goes on to discuss the taste for Dutch and Flemish art from the seventeenth century to the present day and spotlights some of the earlier collectors.

This detailed catalogue of 128 paintings is the result of meticulous researchin British, Dutch and American libraries and archives. The entries are arranged in ten groups by subject so that thematic similarities can be conveniently examined. Amongst the most celebrated works is Frans Hal's monumental "Family Portrait" - once the most expensive painting in the world. All the paintings are illustrated in colour and are accompanied by comparative illustrations and technical photographs.

About the author

Ivan Gaskell, a specialist in seventeenth centruy dutch art, is a Fellow of Wolfson College and a member of the faculty of Architecture and History of Art at the University of Cambridge.