The latest addition to Flame Tree's highly successful Masterworks series, this wonderful new book highlights the work of the Dutch Masters, including Vermeer, Rembrandt, Van Eyck, Frans Hals and their compatriots. Today we marvel at the shimmering light, the detail and hidden significances within the subtle techniques of Vermeer, Rembrandt, Van Eyck, Frans Hals and their compatriots. The luminescent art of the Dutch Masters grew from the bounding confidence of the newly independent Netherlands in the early 1600s. Shed of religious conflict it encouraged a wealthy mercantile class that sought the oceans of the world in search of riches and influence, and a new sensibility in art that cast light across the actions and objects of daily life. The Dutch Masters are characterized by the abandonment of religious patronage, allowing, for the first time, a relentless focus on everyday subjects: the taverns, breakfast tables and living rooms of the newly wealthy and the places they loved to visit. This wonderful new book, also highlighting the work of the pioneering Rachel Ruysch, is the latest addition to Flame Tree's highly successful Masterworks series. AUTHOR: Rosalind Ormiston is a researcher, lecturer and author in art, architecture and design history. She lectures in art and architectural history at Kingston University, London. Her recent publications include Colour Source Book, Alphonse Mucha: Masterworks, Art Deco: The Golden Age of Graphic Art and Illustration; Michelangelo: His Life and Works in 500 Images and Leonardo da Vinci: His Life and Works in 500 Images. SELLING POINTS: . Authoritative art book as well as coffee-table gem. . Ideal for fans of powerful, evocative art. . A thoughtful examination of modernist origins. . Gorgeous full-page reproductions of famous works. . New title in our bestselling Masterworks series. 150 illustrations