Here is a book, which for the very first time, gives a thorough synopsis of the Dutch art of furniture making in the late 16th and 17th century. The enormous prosperity in this Dutch golden age naturally had its reflection on for instance the worldwide known art of painting. Also in other art forms, such as architecture, fashion and in particular furniture making there was a wealthy production of beautifully designed and luxuriously executed pieces, which had a style all their own.
Besides a description of the historical, economical and social aspects of the Netherlands in the 17th century, the authors give in this detailed book, an elaborate introduction on the history, construction of furniture and the differences and similarities in the art of furniture making for each province of the Netherlands. In addition to this the specific aspects of each type of furniture from a specific region or area of the Netherlands is described. For each area a meticulous overview is created for each specific type of regional furniture and its appearance. This does not just entail cabinets, but also tables, chests, chairs and the like.
This shows how, in a relatively small country such as the Netherlands, a very rich and varied supply of furniture was created. Furniture of such a quality and aesthetic beauty that some are still used today, and others which are often the price possession of museums, at home and abroad.
Each chapter contains an extensive introduction about a specific type of furniture. This is followed by a catalogue part in which the authors give numerous examples of that specific type of furniture. Together with many illustrations the pieces are described and placed in chronological order. Never before were the hundreds of pieces in this book described and published.
With this publication a thorough reference book has been created with a great deal of useful information about the history of the Dutch art of furniture making in the 17th century. Apart from the enormous amount of knowledge presented in this book, it showcases the love both authors have for their profession.
Apart from the above mentioned contents, the book is complemented with chapters about the art of furniture making in the Netherlands in the 16th century and with chapters about furniture making as a craft, kinds of wood (in particular oak), and furniture construction and techniques.
In Dutch.