Page 35 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2016 - Amsterdam

Amsterdam Museum ❮❮ 33

THE GOLDEN AGE
TOP 10
The economic boom of the 17th century laid HIGHLIGHTS OF THE
the foundations for the flowering of the arts GOLDEN AGE
in Amsterdam. Plans were laid to surround
the city with a triple ring of canals lined with 1 The Night Watch by
fine houses, a project which required the Rembrandt (1642,
work of many architects. The most powerful Rijksmuseum) (see p19)
city in the Dutch Republic recognized the 2 The Grachtengordel
importance of the arts, and rewarded its designed by Hendrick
Staets (begun in 1613)
artists well – and with the supremacy of the (see p15)
Protestants came the freedom to paint
secular subjects. To show their wealth and 3 Ons’ Lieve Heer op
Solder (1663) (see pp24–5)
status, rich patrons commissioned portraits of
themselves and their families. The artists’ best 4 Westerkerk by
Hendrick de Keyser (1631)
clients, however, were the municipal bodies (see p95)
such as the guilds, who commissioned group 5 Huis met de Hoofden
portraits, as well as decorative pieces of silver built by Hendrick de
and glass. Painters began to focus their Keyser and his son Pieter
energies on a single area of painting – (1622) (see p95)
whether historical, 6 Claes Claeszhofje
portraiture, interiors, genre, (1616)
still lifes, urban scenes, 7 Silver Marriage Cup
landscapes or seascapes – by Gerrit Valck (1634)
and this specialization greatly 8 Café Hoppe (c.1670)
enhanced the quality of their (see p90)
workmanship. 9 Delftware (second half
17th century)
The Silver Marriage Cup 10 Burgerzaal,
features a hinged bowl above Koninklijk Paleis (see p40
the woman’s head and one and p87)
formed by her full skirt. Once
the wedding was in full
swing, the bride and groom Dutch Battle Ships by
would down both together. Ludolf Backhuysen

032-033_Top_10_Amsterdam.indd 33 09/03/2016 16:05