
The Visible World
Samuel van Hoogstraten's Art Theory and the Legitimation of Painting in the Dutch Golden Age
Thijs Weststeijn(Author)
Pallas Publications (Publisher)
Published on 28. October 2008
Book
Paperback/Softback
474 pages
978-90-8964-027-7 (ISBN)
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Description
How did painters and their public speak about art in Rembrandt's age? This book about the writings of the painter-poet Samuel van Hoogstraten, one of Rembrandt's pupils, examines a wide variety of themes from painting practice and theory from the Dutch Golden Age. It addresses the contested issue of 'Dutch realism' and its hidden symbolism, as well as Rembrandt's concern with representing emotions in order to involve the spectator. Diverse aspects of imitation and illusion come to the fore, such as the theory behind sketchy or 'rough' brushwork and the active role played by the viewer's imagination. Taking as its starting point discussions in Rembrandt's studio, this unique study provides an ambitious overview of Dutch artists' ideas on painting.The Visible World was awarded the Jan van Gelder Prize in 2009.
Reviews / Votes
'Weststeijn demonstrates convincingly how Van Hoogstraten's treatise opens new perspectives on the theory and practice of Dutch Golden Age painting.' Jeroen JansenMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Amsterdam
Netherlands
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
50 colour 90 black and white illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 250 mm
Width: 190 mm
Weight
1597 gr
ISBN-13
978-90-8964-027-7 (9789089640277)
DOI
10.5117/9789089640277
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Thijs Weststeijn
The Visible World
Samuel van Hoogstraten's Art Theory and the Legitimation of Painting in the Dutch Golden Age
E-Book
10/2025
Routledge
€94.99
Available for download

Thijs Weststeijn
The Visible World
Samuel van Hoogstraten's Art Theory and the Legitimation of Painting in the Dutch Golden Age
E-Book
10/2025
Routledge
€94.99
Available for download
Person
Thijs Weststeijn is a researcher and lecturer at the department of Art History of the University of Amsterdam.
Content
Preface and Acknowledgements, Introduction, I: Samuel van Hoogstraten in the Republic of Letters, II:The Visible World, III:Pictorial Imitation, IV:The Depiction of the Passions, V:The Eloquence of Colour, VI:Painting as a Mirror of Nature, Excursus: Painting as a 'Sister of Philosophy', Conclusion, Bibliographical abbreviations, Notes, Bibliography, Studies, Index of subjects, Index of names