Johannes Vermeer, The Love Letter, c. 1669–70, oil on canvas, Collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Purchased with support from the Rembrandt Society © Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam [Vancouver Art Gallery, May 10-Sep 13]

De Grieksche A Pottery, Delft, Adriaen Kocks, (manufacturer) Showpiece (c. 1685–90) faience [Vancouver Art Gallery, May 10-Sep 13]

Frans Hals, Portrait of a Man, Possibly Nicolaes Hasselaer (1593-1635), Brewer and Captain-Major of a Military Body in Amsterdam, (c. 1633-35), oil on canvas [Vancouver Art Gallery, May 10-Sep 13]

Vermeer, Rembrandt and the Golden Age of Dutch Art highlights the extraordinary works of art made by Dutch masters of the 17th century, a period known as the Golden Age of the Netherlands. The exhibit was organized by the Vancouver Art Gallery in collaboration with the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. The Rijksmuseum is known for having the finest collection of 17th-century Dutch art in the world.

During this period, the emerging Dutch Republic quickly reached unprecedented economic, political and cultural heights. The arts flourished as the Dutch people became infected with a devotion to personal objects of glamour and décor. A new kind of civil society emerged, one largely run by and for its Protestant mercantile burghers. The era saw an explosion of portraiture for the middle class. Artists competed to create the most realistic still lifes, celebrated naturalism, used dramatic chiaroscuro and developed rich new painting techniques.

The exhibition will feature major paintings and drawings by all of the celebrated masters of the period such as Aelbert Cuyp, Gerard Dou, Franz Hals, Rembrandt van Rijn, Jacob van Ruisdael, Gerard ter Borch and Johannes Vermeer, as well as an extraordinary selection of decorative arts, including furniture, silver, glassware, porcelain and textiles. From Rembrandt’s dark and moody portraits to the popular blue-and-white china of the region, the exhibit showcases a wealth of crafts as well as fine arts.

www.vanartgallery.bc.ca