Dutch and Flemish masters

Dutch and Flemish masters refer to influential painters from the 16th and 17th centuries in the Low Countries—today's Netherlands and Belgium. Dutch masters, like Rembrandt and Vermeer, are known for their realism, detailed interior scenes, and masterful use of light and shadow, reflecting everyday life and individual character. Flemish masters, such as Rubens and Van Dyck, are celebrated for their dynamic compositions, vibrant colors, and grandeur often depicting religious or mythological themes. While both groups are central to Western art history, the Dutch focused on genre scenes and portraits, whereas the Flemish emphasized Baroque grandeur and religious narratives.