Watershed: Transforming the Landscape in Early Modern Dutch Art

withDr. Lara Yeager-Crasselt, curator and department head of European painting and sculpture, The BMA

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Baltimore Museum of Art (10 Art Museum Drive)

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Depictions of the Dutch landscape in the 17th century feature cloud-filled skies, low horizons, and expansive waters filled with daily activities. Artists like Jan van Goyen, Salomon van Ruysdael, and Rembrandt van Rijn captured images that became symbols of the prosperity and tranquility of the Dutch Republic; however, this era was also one of significant change. Although the Dutch gained political and religious independence in 1648, they constantly battled water since much of their land lies at or below sea level. To address environmental challenges, they undertook extensive drainage projects, built dikes and canals, and reinforced coastlines. By managing their landscape and water, they were able to expand their territory and pursue maritime ventures.

Drawn from the Baltimore Museum of Art's exhibition Watershed: Transforming the Landscape in Early Modern Dutch Art, this lecture explores how the Dutch Republic's ability to harness, adapt to, and profit from the water became a defining aspect of its art and culture. The approximately 40 prints, drawings, paintings, and rare books on view in the exhibition offer an opportunity to reframe how we engage with images of the Dutch landscape and the people and forces that shaped it.

Members-only, registration required (limited to 50 people), no fee. Register online here

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