Water, Wind, and Waves: Marine Paintings from the Dutch Golden Age

Alexandra Libby, assistant curator, northern baroque paintings, National Gallery of Art. The Dutch rose to greatness from the riches of the sea. From their massive cargo- and warships to their small vessels and fishing boats, they commanded the high seas and inland and coastal waterways, becoming leaders in maritime travel, transport, and commerce. Yet, the water was also a source of pleasure and enjoyment. In the warm summer months dune-covered beaches offered scenic vistas, while in the winter frozen canals offered a place for people of all ages to skate, play, and enjoy the outdoors. In this lecture held at the National Gallery of Art on July 1, 2018, Alexandra Libby discusses the essential, multifaceted relationship the Dutch maintained with the water, as seen in the exhibition Water, Wind, and Waves: Marine Paintings from the Dutch Golden.