Just as e-mail now dominates written communication, in the 17th century the writing of personal letters became widespread and fashionable. Although letters had long existed, the notion that they could convey private feelings and emotions suddenly captured the popular imagination and transformed personal communication. During this period, not only was Holland the most literate country in Europe and a leading publishing center, but it was also the focus of an explosion of epistolary activity. 17th-century Dutch genre painters became the first to depict anonymous people writing, reading, dispatching and receiving letters. Leading painters like Gerard ter Borch, Gabriel Metsu, Frans van Mieris, Pieter de Hooch and the renowned Johannes Vermeer made the letter a central feature of their scenes of everyday life, defining the subject and creating images that would influence generations of painters to come.

Love Letters: Dutch Genre Paintings in the Age of Vermeer

Arts & Photography

Peter C. Sutton

History & Criticism

Frances Lincoln

From Library Journal Despite many recent obituaries, the "blockbuster" art show is alive and well, as evidenced by this massive exhibit of Northern Baroque painting organized by Boston's Museum of Fine Art. Much more than a mere exhibition catalog, this book contains well-written, detailed biographies of Peter Paul Rubens and his followers Anthony van Dyck and Jacob Jordaens. A lengthy section of critical essays by various scholars examines Flemish painting from several angles. Sutton unabashedly offers a critique of the atelier system--the dominant mode of art production in 17th-century Europe--in which studio apprentices performed much of the actual painting over designs executed by the master. Because this arrangement is an affront to our modern idolization of the individualist artist, it's a topic avoided in most art histories. The catalog section of the book is a masterpiece of scholarly writing, thoroughly analyzing each painting's history and exuberantly baroque content. As a comprehensive portrait of an era, Sutton's book is an excellent companion piece to Christopher White's 1987 monograph Peter Paul Ru bens. An excellent study recommended for all libraries.- Douglas F. Smith, Oakland P.L., Cal.Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The Age of Rubens

Harry N.Abrams, Inc.

Explores Dutch landscape painting, identifying major themes and patterns of style, and relating the art to the culture and social climate of the 17th century

Masters of 17th Century Dutch Landscape Painting

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Revised and Restored: The Art of Kathleen Gilje

Linda Nochlin

John Yau

Francis M. Naumann

Robert Rosenbaum

Bruce Museum, Greenwich, Ct

Bjorn Okholm Skaarup: Carnival of the Animals

Edith Simpson

Patrick Monahan

Bruce Museum

Siecle de Rubens (Le) (Fonds Mercator) (French Edition)

David Freedberg

ALBIN MICHEL

Dutch Art in America

The Netherlands-American Amity Trust, Inc.; J. H. Kok; Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

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Books by Peter C. Sutton