This teaching packet examines the art and culture of one of the world's greatest periods of creativity. The sheer volume—and outstanding quality—of the paintings produced can scarcely be paralleled. An overview book provides background about the founding of the Dutch Republic and how art came to occupy an important place in the lives of its people.

Chapters explore painting genres like landscape, still life, and portraiture through the work of artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals. The related classroom guide offers activities and discussion questions organized around themes that touch on a variety of curricular subjects, connections to contemporary art, life, and more.

Artists: Hendrick Avercamp, Gerard ter Borch, Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder, Jan Both, Jan de Bray, Aelbert Cuyp, Gerrit Dou, Hendrick Goltzius, Jan van Goyen, Frans Hals, Willem Claesz Heda, Jan Davidsz de Heem, Meindert Hobbema, Gerrit van Honthorst, Pieter de Hooch, Judith Leyster, Adrien van Ostade, Rembrandt van Rijn, Jacob van Ruisdael, Pieter Jansz Saenredam, Jan Havicksz Steen, Johannes Vermeer, Johannes Cornelisz Verspronck, Joachim Wtewael