Dutch Master Paintings, also called Dutch Golden Age was a period in the 17th century.
I , as just someone that appreciates and enjoys Dutch Master Paintings have no expertise in painting or art or the history of The Dutch Golden Age , still as a layperson have enjoyed them. I wanted to give my personal opinions of the paintings and revisit them . I'm not going to go into detail of particular styles or techniques or history or even the names of the paintings .

Just what moved me ...

 In the above Vermeer the clouds to me arent a great depiction, but the lighting of the clouds in contrast to the shadow of the buildings in the water up front and left have an almost peaceful effect .

Look closely at his hand , his cuff , the whiteness . The light on his face , the glint of light on the edge of his seat.

In the above painting by Ostade, I'm drawn inexplicably to the pipe on the table, the shine on the drinking glass or vase the man on the left is holding.

Look at the detail of her hand and the folds of the red table cloth.

Look at the hand on the right .The use of light and shadow on her jaw and cheek . The imperfection of the eyes that are to me very realistic in that they don't quite match symetrically yet make her seem familiar.

The colors in the water up front and on the left. Blues , grays , browns and  whites.

The lighting of the three central figures , for me completely distracts from the lack of realism in the girl on the left and the men.

The contrast of gold and red .

In this Gerard Dou Painting notice the shine of light on the gourd and basket . The colors in the material , almost used for balance of light and color . The detail and look in the boys face.

The white in the collars , the dog's colors, the man seated on left and the light on his forehead.


I hope you enjoy the paintings as much as I do !