This exhibition catalogue highlights the extraordinary works of art made by Dutch masters of the 17th century, a period known as the Golden Age of the Netherlands. During this time the emerging Dutch Republic quickly reached unprecedented economic, political and cultural heights and saw a brilliant flowering of artistic talent.

The book features major paintings and drawings by all of the celebrated masters of the period such as Aelbert Cuyp, Gerard Dou, Franz Hals, Rembrandt van Rijn, Jacob van Ruisdael, Gerard ter Borch and Johannes Vermeer, as well as an extraordinary selection of decorative arts, including furniture, silver, glassware, porcelain and textiles. Providing an overview of the fascinating political, economic and social forces that shaped the 17th century, the catalogue allows the visitor to view these paintings in the rich context in which they were made.