Dutch Golden Age

The Dutch Golden Age was a period in Dutch history, roughly spanning the 17th century, in which Dutch trade, science, and art were among the most acclaimed in the world.

Architecture

Dutch architecture was taken to a new height in the Golden Age. Due to the thriving economy cities expanded greatly. New town halls, weighhouses and storehouses were built. Merchants that had gained a fortune ordered a new house built along one of the many new canals that were dug out in and around many cities (for defense and transport purposes), a house with an ornamented façade that befitted their new status. In the countryside new country houses were built, though not in large numbers.

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Early in the 17th century late Gothic elements still prevailed, combined with Renaissance motives. After a few decades French classicism gained prominence: vertical elements were stressed, less ornamentation was used, natural stone was preferred above bricks. In the last decades of the century this trend towards sobriety intensified. From around 1670 the most prominent features of a housefront were its entrance, with pillars on each side and possibly a balcony above it, but no further decoration.

Related Topics:
Gothic - Renaissance - Classicism - 1670

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Starting at 1595 Reformed churches were commissioned,

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many of which are still landmarks today.

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The most famous Dutch architects of the 17th century were: Jacob van Campen, Lieven de Key, Hendrick de Keyser

Related Topics:
Jacob van Campen - Lieven de Key - Hendrick de Keyser

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For more details and names see Dutch Golden Age, List Of People, Architects

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