 |
|
Golden Age |
|
|
 |
|
|
| |
|
| During the 17th century, international trade by the Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie (Dutch East India Company, 1602-1798) and the Vereenigde West-Indische Compagnie (Dutch West India Company, 1621-1792) brought enormous wealth to many citizens in the Low Countries. This period is therefore often referred to as the 'Golden Age'. This wealth was expressed in many forms. The city hall in Amsterdam and many of the city's churches were embellished with complex carillons. |
|
|
|
|
|
| The city of Amsterdam also attracted many foreign scholars and craftsmen, in search of work and religious freedom. French and English clockmakers such as Pascal, De Mey, Fromanteel and Norris were among those who took this step. The most important innovation in 17th-century clock making was the invention of the clock by Christiaan Huygens. Another horological invention by Huygens, the balance spring, made it possible to construct lightweight portable clocks (watches) and led to the development of marine chronometers which could be used to determine the longitude at sea. |
|
|
|
|
Politiek |
|
|
|
|
|
|
When King William III resided in London, he often employed the services of the English clockmaker Thomas Tompion. His clocks were highly prized as gifts at the English court.
|
|
|
| |
Meer... |
|
|
Cultuur |
|
|
|
.gif)
|
|
|
International trade paved the way to the Dutch Golden Age.
|
|
|
| |
Meer... |
|
|
|
|
Architectuur |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The French architect Daniel Marot designed clocks in the Baroque style. The pendulum clocks of the English clockmaker Thomas Tompion show very close similarities.
|
|
|
| |
Meer... |
|
|
Kunst |
|
|
|
.jpg)
|
|
|
A wantonness monkey in a domestic scene by Jan Steen interrupts time. Clocks and watches reminded the 17th century Dutch of duty and consciousness.
|
|
|
| |
Meer... |
|
|