Skip to content

Buy any 3 artworks and save 15%
The Repentant Magdalene by Guido Cagnacci
Moses presenting the tablets of the law by Philippe de Champaigne
The Siege of La Rochelle by Louis XIII by Claude Lorrain
Entrance to La Rochelle harbour Claude Lorrain by Claude Lorrain
Winter Landscape by Jan Steen
Village Fair by Jan Steen
The Jolly Drinker by Judith Leyster
Laughing Children with a Cat by Judith Leyster
Arcadian landscape with a bust of Flora by Jan van Huysum
Terracotta Vase with Flowers and Fruits by Jan van Huysum
Two Watermills and an Open Sluice by Jacob van Ruisdael
Landscape with a House in the Grove (Peasant Cottage in a Landscape) by Jacob van Ruisdael

17th Century

118 artists · The Baroque era and Dutch Golden Age

Back to Discover

The 17th century saw the rise of the Baroque style, characterised by drama, grandeur, and elaborate ornamentation. This period also witnessed the Dutch Golden Age, a time of exceptional artistic production in the Netherlands. Realism gained prominence, with artists focusing on detailed depictions of everyday life, portraits, and landscapes. The century saw significant developments in technique and subject matter, influencing artistic movements for centuries to come.

Key Movements

Art movements active during the 17th century.

Key Ideas

  • The Baroque Style

    Baroque art is known for its dramatic use of light and shadow, emotional intensity, and ornate details. It aimed to evoke a sense of awe and wonder in the viewer, often employed in religious and palatial settings.

  • Dutch Realism

    In contrast to the Baroque's grandeur, Dutch Realism focused on the everyday lives of ordinary people. Artists depicted scenes of daily life, portraits, and landscapes with meticulous detail and accuracy.

  • Still Life Painting

    Still life emerged as a popular genre, particularly in Dutch art. These paintings often featured arrangements of objects, such as flowers, food, and household items, rendered with remarkable realism.

  • The Catholic Reformation

    The Catholic Reformation influenced Baroque art, with many works commissioned to promote Catholic teachings and inspire religious fervour. These artworks often featured dramatic scenes and emotional portrayals of saints and biblical figures.

Key Artists

Johannes Vermeer

Johannes Vermeer

1632–1675 · Dutch

Canaletto

Canaletto

1697–1758 · Italian

William Hogarth

William Hogarth

1697–1764 · British

Claude Lorrain

Claude Lorrain

1600–1682 · Duchy of Lorraine

Rembrandt van Rijn

Rembrandt van Rijn

1606–1669 · Dutch

Maria Sibylla Merian

Maria Sibylla Merian

1647–1717 · Dutch

Jan Steen

Jan Steen

1626–1679 · Dutch

Judith Leyster

Judith Leyster

1609–1660 · Dutch

All 17th Century Artists

118 artists.

Showing the first 80 of 118 artists, alphabetically.

Browse by Era

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why is the 17th century a turning point in art history?
    The 17th century marks a turning point due to the rise of the Baroque style, which broke from Renaissance classicism with its emphasis on drama and emotion. Simultaneously, the Dutch Golden Age saw the development of realism and genre painting, shifting the focus to everyday life and detailed observation.
  • Which artists define 17th-century art?
    Several artists define this period, including Rembrandt van Rijn, known for his dramatic portraits and biblical scenes, and Johannes Vermeer, celebrated for his intimate genre paintings. You can view works by both artists at the National Gallery in London.
  • What's a lesser-known 17th-century artist worth discovering?
    Judith Leyster was a Dutch Golden Age painter who excelled in genre scenes and portraits. Her painting 'Self-Portrait' showcases her skill and confidence as an artist, challenging the male-dominated art world of the time.
  • How did the 17th century end?
    The 17th century concluded with the Baroque style still dominant, but with the seeds of the Rococo movement beginning to sprout, particularly in France. The Ancien Régime, spanning from 1620 to 1775, saw French art flourish, setting the stage for new artistic directions in the following century.

Love what you see? Take it home.

See all art prints →
Back to Discover
Your cart
Rated 4.7 on Judge.me
Your cart is empty
Have an account? Log in to check out faster.
Continue shopping Continue shopping