Dutch Masters From the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Exhibition themes:
The city

'The difference between these Lands [and other nations of Europe] is most singular; glory in other lands reposing in an outward show of flags but here in the manner of thrifty and modest households; elsewhere there is honour in the free spending of money ... here there is honour in having no debts'.

Romeyn de Hooghee, Spiegel van Staat der Vereenigde Nederlanden, Amsterdam, 1706

In 1673 the English ambassador to The Hague, Sir William Temple, wrote with praise of his experiences in the Netherlands, '... the beauty and strength of their towns, the commodiousness of travelling in their Country by their Canals, Bridges and Cawseys; the pleasantness of their Walks, and their Grafts [canals] in and near all their Cities; And in short, the Beauty, Convenience and sometimes Magnificence, of their Publique Works'. When we consider the urban milieu in which so many seventeenth-century artists found their inspiration and motifs, it is evident the Dutch Republic's flourishing trade and industry created the conditions that were conducive to their making a living, as well as creating social prosperity and pride in their craftsmanship. Within a still predominantly rural Europe, the level of urbanization made the Republic – and the province of Holland and its capital, Amsterdam, in particular – exceptional. As the century progressed the attitude focused more on outward appearances; and in several Dutch cities – but especially in Amsterdam - large sums of money were being spent on expensive houses, furniture, clothing, and art works.

'I know hardly any country where they spend their money more freely to pass their time agreeably and enjoy whatever their rank and fortune entitle them to. You see everywhere good houses, well-furnished, plentiful and elegant tables kept, numerous servants, equipages as common as elsewhere, rich dresses ... and in the education of their children no expense spared. In a word you view not only the conveniences of life, but those improvements, those refinements which rich and luxurious ages only know'.

Joseph Marshall, Travels Through Holland ... in the Years 1768, 1769 and 1770 , London, 1772