Rembrandt van Rijn's (1606–1669) Self-Portrait, 1659, chronicles the artist’s changing style.
Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington, Andrew W. Mellon Collection
Aelbert Cuyp’s (1620–1691) The Maas at Dordrecht, c. 1650, demonstrates the Dutch style of “landschap” (landscape) painting.
Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington, Andrew W. Mellon Collection
Johannes Vermeer (1632–1675) accents the grace of everyday life in Woman Holding a Balance, c. 1664.
Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington, the Widener Collection
Flemish painter Sir Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640) depicts the Old Testament prophet in Daniel in the Lions' Den, c. 1614/1616.
Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington, the Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
In Banquet Piece With Mince Pie (1635), artist Willem Claesz Heda (1593/1594-1680) uses a warm, neutral palette of colours.
Courtesy National Galley of Art, Washington, Patrons' Permanent Fund
Johannes Carnelisz Verspronck, a 17th-century portraitist, captures the flamboyant style of Andries Stilte as a Standard Bearer, 1640.
Courtesy National Galley of Art, Washington, Patrons' Permanent Fund
A leading landscape painter, Salomon van Ruysdael is known for his works depicting life along peaceful Dutch waterways, such as Ferry on a River, 1649.
Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington, Patrons' Permanent Fund and The Lee and Juliet Foger Fund
Sir Anthony van Dyck captures both the austerity and the magnificence of this noblewoman's attire in Marchesa Balbi, 1623.
Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington, Andrew W. Mellon Collection
Willem Coymans, a member of one of Holland's wealthiest merchant families, is captured in this portrait by Frans Hals, dated 1645.
Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington, Adrew W. Mellon Collection
The Dutch and Flemish paintings at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, are among the finest in the world. They are works that not only reveal the extraordinary quality and range of artists working in the northern and southern Netherlands in the 17th century, but they also provide insights into the people and the values they held. The paintings include compelling portraits by Rembrandt, Frans Hals and Anthony van Dyck; still lifes depicting exotic flowers or elegant silver vessels on shimmering linen tablecloths; genre scenes where rich and poor are seen going about their daily lives; landscapes and seascapes that capture a range of light effects in good weather and bad. Paintings depicting stories from the Bible and mythology, such as Peter Paul Rubens’ massive Daniel and the Lions’ Den, provide insights into religious and moral ideals of the people. The Gallery’s collection contains a number of Johannes Vermeer’s quiet masterpieces, paintings, such as Woman Holding a Balance, that quietly captivate our hearts and minds.
Coming Soon
Don’t miss these opportunities to see more. The following two travelling exhibitions are coming to the museum soon.
“Hendrick Avercamp: The Little Ice Age” is the first exhibition devoted to the foremost painter of Dutch winter landscapes of the 17th century. It features 14 paintings and 16 drawings from museums and private collections all over the world: March 21–July 5, 2010.
“Gabriel Metsu, 1629–1667” assembles some 40 paintings by the distinguished genre painter from museums and private collections in Europe and the United States: April 17–July 24, 2011.
