The Netherlands is well known for its great art, famous names include Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Frans Hals and Vermeer. Some of these artists became famous during the 17^th century Golden Age, when Holland became a mighty power in Europe and Amsterdam the commercial centre of the world. This was reflected in the art, as the new elite commissioned portraits to be painted displaying their wealth and prestige. But this is only the tip of the iceberg, as Holland has some amazing art from all ages.

Rembrandt in Amsterdam         

Whilst in Amsterdam, you should visit the Rijksmuseum where Rembrandt’s masterpieces are displayed, including perhaps his most famous painting ‘The Night Watch’. This large impressive painting shows a group of men, who could be called upon if necessary, to defend the city or put down riots. The portraits give us an idea of their pride, profession and wealth. A memoir of Rembrandt’s life and times can be viewed at his former home, Rembrandthuis in Amsterdam, which has now been turned into a museum.

Van Gogh in Amsterdam and Arnhem

Vincent Van Gogh was the greatest figure of the late 19^th century. The instability of Van Gogh’s mind is reflected in his paintings which swirl with thick brushstrokes. Influenced by the French Impressionists, his paintings became lighter and more colourful. A large collection of his famous paintings including ‘Sun Flowers’ and his depiction of peasant life in ‘The Potato Eaters’ can be seen in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. The paintings tell the story of Van Gogh’s tragic life, from his start in the Netherlands to his brilliant time in France.

More of his early paintings and asylum pictures can be seen in the Kroller-Muller museum near Arnhem. This museum is set in De Hoge Veluwe park surrounded by a unique sculpture garden, unlike any other in the world. Floating in a pond is Marta Pan’s beautiful white sculpture, Otterloo. White bicycles are provided free to tour the park.

Frans Hals in Haarlem

A short journey from Amsterdam is the medieval town of Haarlem, about 20 minutes by train. Here you can find the world famous Frans Hals museum with some of the artist’s paintings including several enormous civic guard pieces. He first made his reputation with a series of portraits, ranging from celebrated ‘Laughing Cavalier’, to a variety of low-life sketches of gypsies and drunkards. Hals paints what he sees and captures the expression in the sitter’s smiling or leering faces as in ‘The Merry Drinker’ and often catching them unawares.

Vermeer in The Hague

If you visit The Hague, a must see is the Mauritshuis, converted into a gallery with many paintings from the Golden Age including Johannes Vermeer. In his early career he painted scenes of daily life and he revolutionised pictorial art. His marvellous light effects made him the great virtuoso. The play of light is particularly effective in the famous ‘View of Delft’ or in the portraits of women like the ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ both from 1660. The Mauritshuis is situated in the Hofvijver, once part of the inner court of the former castle of the Earls of Holland.

Den Bosch – Noord Brabant

A fascinating painter from the late 15^th century was Hieronymous Bosch who lived and worked in Den Bosch in Noord Brabant. The turmoil of his times is demonstrated in the confusion of his paintings. He created fantastic scenes with weird objects and animals in a nightmarish universe, where it became hard to separate hell from paradise. He is especially famous for his fantastic, demon-filled works, one of which is ‘The Temptation of St Anthony’. The central panel of this triptych illustrates the kneeling figure of St Anthony being tormented by devils. These include a man with a thistle for a head, and a fish that is half gondola.