Utrecht, Netherlands

The Golden Age of Dutch Art

Are you curious to learn more about Rembrandt's 'Nightwatch', Vermeer's 'Girl with the pearl earring', Hals's 'Laughing figures' or other Dutch masterpieces from the 17th century? Sign up for this course and discover the Golden Age of Dutch Art and its marvellous paintings, applied arts and architecture. Upon completion of this highly interactive course, you will have gained a profound insight into the many layers of Dutch Art from this inspiring era. This course takes you out of the classroom and into cities, museums and churches – you will not be able to get closer to the masterpieces themselves!

This course takes you back in time to the Dutch seventeenth century: the early modern period, when Dutch ships sailed the oceans from the Americas to the Indies, and the tiny Dutch Republic dominated the world's stage. During this course you will find out what makes the Dutch 17th century art so unique. Not everything is what it seems: an innocent bouquet of flowers hides a forbidden religious message. A happy family, where everyone is singing and laughing, turns out to be a warning against an undisciplined lifestyle. Of course you will learn lots about the famous masters - like Rembrandt, Vermeer and Hals - but there is much more to discover! Besides painters, many more artists, such as architects, gold- and silversmiths and engravers, contributed to the fame of this age with their innovative artworks. Also, the trade with Asia influenced the Dutch art.

Upon completion of this highly interactive course, you will have unraveled many highlights from the Dutch 16th and 17th centuries. You will be able to recognize the main artists, but you will also become confident in recognizing, discussing and analysing artworks in general. What you learn in class and during the digital excursions will therefore not only make you familiar with Golden Age of Dutch art, but will also add depth and value to your own travels later on.

Course leader

Anna Koldeweij, MA

Course aim

This course gives students a broad overview of Dutch Art from the 16th and 17th century through the exploration of history, culture, daily life, academic approaches, excursions and case-studies.

Fee info

EUR 1175: Course + Course materials
EUR 450: Housing