Friday, February 21, 2020

Masterpieces of 17th-Century Dutch Painting from Regional Collections
Syracuse University Art Museum

Syracuse University Art Museum, Shaffer Art Building
Syracuse University, Syracuse

It has been estimated that in The Netherlands over the course of the 17th century, approximately two million paintings were created. This astonishing number reflects the prosperity of the small country that was known at that time as the Dutch Republic. It may have been small compared to its European neighbors but the Dutch Republic was a major power owing to its strong economy and far-reaching mercantile activities. Needless to say, in this prosperous atmosphere painting flourished thanks to sizeable numbers of talented masters, many of whom specialized in the rendition of specific subject matter. Dutch painters portrayed their surrounding world in landscapes, portraits, still-life, and genre paintings (scenes of daily life) and they are still acclaimed today for having done so. Indeed, the ability of their seemingly unassuming yet celebrated pictures to evoke daily existence has led to the recognition of 17th-century painting as a true Golden Age of Dutch art. However, like their European counterparts, Dutch masters just as often focused their efforts on the depiction of subjects drawn from the Bible or from classical mythology.

This exhibition provides a small yet impressive sample of the fruits of their labors. Visitors to this show may not recognize all of the names of the painters whose creations are on display here. Nevertheless, their work provides a glimpse into the wide-ranging subject matter and uncompromisingly high quality of 17th-century Dutch art.

Parking for weekend and evening visitors is in Q4 lot on College Place. Notify the attendant that you are visiting the SUArt Galleries. Parking is on a space available basis and may be restricted during events held at the Carrier Dome. If spaces are not available in Q4 the attendant will direct you to the nearest lot.