The Dutch Golden Age of Painting: Why Rembrandt and his Contemporaries Still Matter

Join art historian Verena Drake for 2 discussions on the Dutch Golden Age of Painting. You will be able to enjoy seeing hundreds of iconic images from some of the greatest northern European artists. Rembrandt’s portraits, Vermeer’s interiors, Fabritius’s Goldfinch have all stirred the imagination of poets, writers, and moviemakers. What is it that continues to draw us (no pun intended) to the works of Dutch painters of the mid-17th century? The search for self-presentation, the desire for comfort and safety of the indoors, the study and appreciation of nature have not just been uncovered during the Covid epidemic. Celebrated artists from Amsterdam, Delft, Leiden, and other Netherlandish town began expressing in subject, style, and compositions many of our most cherished human yearnings.

The two talks (Fridays 11:00 to noon on 9/23 and 9/30) will focus on the rich trove of artworks covering from domestic to brothel scenes, from still lifes to vanitas paintings, from flattering portraits to psychological self-discoveries. Come and enjoy an hour in the world of the United Provinces!

Verena Drake joined the faculty at The Hotchkiss School in 2002 as an art history teacher and recently retired. Over the years she has volunteered as a teacher at Noble Horizons where she has taught a range of art history classes. She studied American diplomatic history for her PhD which she received in 1980 from the University of California. From 1990 to 2002, she was an associate professor of History and Quest for Human Understanding at Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pa.

She explains, “I love the adult audience at Noble Horizons, who are super engaged and often contribute their own knowledge and relevant interests.”

Occasionally, events may be canceled due to inclement weather or other conditions beyond our control. In that case, we will make every effort to update our website and contact registrants.

Photography policy:
Official photographs taken at the event may include you as a subject and could be used in future editorial and promotional contexts in print and electronic media. Images will not be identified using full names without written approval from the individual. Please notify Noble Horizons staff if you prefer your photo not be used.