Although the Dutch golden age was over (in 1672, by Turenne and Condé, Louis XIV broke up the ultra-dynamic republic of the seven United Provinces), in the 18th century, the patrician residences of Delft, Amsterdam or in The Hague were always saturated with works of art.
Paintings occupied the walls.
It has been calculated that five million paintings may have been produced in these independent Netherlands during their maritime supremacy.
So much so that the Dutch began to buy drawings in preference.
The sheets were arranged in albums in large boxes.
It was more practical for those comfortable but cramped rooms.
In peaceful moments, one took out of these miniature cabinets these samples of a life that was both realistic and ideal.
It was a hobby, a passion.
In front of these black stones, these inks, watercolored sheets or not, we chatted with family or friends.
For the less well-to-do, these evenings took place in front of engravings.
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Extracts from the collection of the Museums…
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