Nothing Is What It Seems: Dutch Art of the Golden Age

“Nice clouds,” critics would say, “But really, it isn’t quite art with a capital A, is it?” Until recently, Dutch Art of the Golden Age was seen as technically good, but not very interesting. It was just too realistic, where was the artistic imagination?

Today, this opinion on Dutch art has changed and the value of Golden Age artworks has soared. So what is the true meaning behind all these landscapes, seascapes, portraits and still lifes that look so real that you can feel the sea-breeze and smell the grapes?

When you want to discover what is so special about Dutch Golden Age art, you will embark on a fascinating journey where nothing 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, and a gorgeously dressed couple locked in a calm embrace are actually rigid with heart-breaking melancholy.

Upon completion of this highly interactive course, you will have seen many highlights from the 16th and 17th century, you will be able to recognise the main painters, you have become confident in recognising, discussing and analysing a modern Dutch artwork and sharing your ideas with your peers and ultimately, you will have gained a profound insight into the many layers of these seemingly realistic artworks, the true meaning of which critics do not agree about to this very day.

» Download the day-to-day programme (PDF)