17th-Century Arts

17th-Century Arts

Due to trade, the 17th century saw significant exchanges of artistic objects and the worldwide dissemination of artistic styles.

This was made possible through the involvement of British and Dutch trading companies in South Asia, the trade routes established by the Ottoman Empire, and the administration of South America by the Spanish, among other channels. During this period, China, Japan, and Korea all witnessed significant economic growth and artistic achievements. While Chinese goods were widely traded in the global market, Japan maintained a closed economy.

In Europe during the 17th century, there was a diverse range of artistic production, often loosely categorised as "Baroque." This term generally refers to art characterised by a heightened sense of movement and lighting in compositions. Caravaggio is credited with mastering these elements, influencing artists across Europe, including Diego Velázquez in Spain and Rembrandt in Holland.


Other words in the glossary


Building your collection? We can help.


Your questions, answered

Parra's studio, with Parra at the centre, his back to the camera as he works on the large painting takes centre stage, showing a faceless blue woman in a striped dress, painted in red, purple, blue and teal. The studio is full of brightly coloured paints, with a large window on the right and a patterned rug across the floor under the painting.