there was a period in the 17th century, where dutch trade, science and art were among the most advanced in europe. the period is known as the dutch golden age. in general, this period started in the second half of the eighty years' war. after the war, there was the dutch republic which was the most propsperous nation in europe. the historical period of the time was called baroque. many of the paintings of this period show the scenes more pretty than they really were. this is called 'idealisation'. the dutch paintings of the time often lack this feature. artists of the movement include peter paul rubens, johannes vermeer, bartholomeus van der helst, and jacob van loo.