The Wonder of Everyday Life: Dutch Golden Age Prints

While the Dutch Republic experienced unprecedented economic prosperity in the 17th century, printmakers were exceptionally sensitive—and sometimes obsessive—when rendering the details of everyday life. A hallmark of Dutch prints created during this Golden Age is their depiction of the grit, dark corners, and textures present in the mundane objects featured in domestic scenes, landscapes, portraits, and even compositions interpreting literature or religious texts. 

The prints in this installation explore how Rembrandt van Rijn and his peers depicted the sensual experience of the material world, contemplated life’s fleeting and constantly changing nature, and navigated spirituality’s role in modern life.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website