The seventeenth century is one of the most fascinating, controversial, and famous centuries in Dutch history. It saw the unexpected emergence of the Dutch Republic and its rise to commercial and military dominance in Europe. It also witnessed an unprecedented flourishing of the visual arts and literature, producing some of the most famous Dutch artists and writers, such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Vondel.

But it was also a time of endemic warfare, of ruthless colonial expansion, and of poverty and disease. Commerce and the arts thrived against a background of almost constant political unrest, the threat of foreign invasion, and harsh changing climate conditions. This extraordinary century lends itself to myth-making and has long been described as the ‘Dutch Golden Age’. Yet, this one-dimensional interpretation does not do justice to the many ambiguities, contrasts, and tensions that characterise the period.

Time, location en price

• 11 September - 18 October 2024
• Wednesday from 09:00-11:00 and Friday from 09:00-11:00
• Oudemanhuispoort D0.09 (on both days)
• Costs: € 210 (€ 189 AUV members) 

Important to know

• Registration deadline: 22 August 2024.
• You can only audit an OUC, which means that you may only attend lectures and cannot attend seminars, take part in the examination, or obtain ECTS credits.
• The location of the lectures may change during the semester. For the current study schedule, please consult the UvA timetable website. 

Docent

Public programme Humanities

This Open UvA Course is part of the Faculty of Humanities' public programme. Beside Open UvA Courses, the public programme also comprises special lectures and series of courses. The public programme is intended for alumni, employees looking for extra training, and all others who are interested in art, culture, philosophy, language and literature, history and religion.