Dutch Landscapes has been published by Royal Collection Enterprises Ltd., and Scala Publishers Ltd. The book is written by Desmond Shawe-Taylor, Surveyor of The Queen's Pictures, with additional contributions by Jennifer Scott, Curator of Paintings at the Royal Collection. The 176-page publication accompanies a major exhibition at The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace, and provides a thorough exploration of 17th-century Dutch landscapes. This period is often referred to as the Dutch Golden Age.
Dutch Landscapes – An Exploration of 17th-century Netherlands’s Painting
In Dutch Landscapes the authors examine the various types of landscapes depicted by artists such as Jacob van Ruisdael, Aelbert Cuyp, Jan van der Heyden, Meyndert Hobbema, Saloman van Ruysdael and many others.
The land played an important part in Dutch life in the 17th century, and the landscape these artists were working from was the most man-made in Europe. Windmills and Watermills were common themes. The sea, too, played a vital role in the prosperity of the region and was another popular theme. Desmond Shawe-Taylor and Jennifer Scott show how different types of landscapes are related to each other, putting them in context with other important works of the period.
Dutch Landscapes – Layout of the Publication
The book opens with an Introduction entitled ″Ten Thousand Graphic Details″ – Reading Dutch Landscapes. The authors look at the British penchant for Dutch landscapes, the problems associated with earlier conservation work, the place of art in Dutch homes, and the development of the art gallery.
The remainder of the publication is divided into four parts:
- As the City Gate Opens draws on the words of Carel van Mander, the Flemish-born Dutch painter and poet. Van Mander encouraged artists to look to the countryside for inspiration. The authors consider the different types of landscapes artists encountered, from city scenes to waterways, watermills and windmills.
- Ropes and Riggings explores the ships that were so vital to Dutch prosperity, from small rowing boats to larger sailing boats and battle ships.
- The third section, The Painting Capital of the World,looks at how Dutch artists were influenced by Italy, and in particular Rome.
- Aelbert Cuyp – this final chapter concentrates on works by one particular artist. Cuyp was a popular choice with British collectors. George IV personally acquired 34 of the 42 paintings featured in the exhibition.
Priced at just £9.95 Dutch Landscapes is excellent value for money. The publication is available from the Royal Collection Shop, Amazon, and all good book stores – ISBN-10:9781905686254, ISBN-13: 978-1905686254, ASIN: 1905686250.
Dutch Landscapes is on display at The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace, from 15th April to 9th October 2011.
Frances Spiegel - Frances Spiegel, B.A. Hons. (Open)., Dip.Eur.Hum., read Art History/European Modern History at the Open University.
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