Timeline · 1650–1659

The 1650s

The 1650s (1650–1659) fall within the Baroque age of theatrical light, deep shadow, and grand movement. Across these years the gallery holds 6,083 public-domain artworks, with Dutch Golden Age the decade's dominant movement (1,918 works) and Allart van Everdingen among its most prolific hands.

Exemplar works

Movements active in the 1650s

Looking for named art-historical periods instead? Browse periods.

Artists active in the 1650s

Artists born in the 1650s

On this decade

1652 Died

Died this day: Georges de La Tour

Georges de La Tour, a French Baroque painter, is known for his poignant and intimate candlelit scenes, often exploring religious themes with a keen eye for everyday reality. His…

La Tour's innovative use of light and shadow has cemented his place as one of the most original successors of Caravaggio.

What else happened that day

1656 Died

Died this day: Jan van Goyen

Jan van Goyen was a Dutch landscape painter known for his broad range of subjects, including forest, marine, and cityscapes. He was a prolific artist, leaving behind over 1,200…

Jan van Goyen's extensive body of work continues to influence landscape painting to this day.

What else happened that day

1659 Born

Born this day: Adriaen van der Werff

Adriaen van der Werff, a Dutch painter born on January 21, 1659, is known for his portraits and scenes of erotic, devotional, and mythological themes. His work often explored…

He remains notable for his contributions to Dutch painting, particularly in his nuanced depiction of human emotion and form.

What else happened that day

1654 Died

Died this day: Paulus Potter

Paulus Potter was a Dutch painter known for his landscapes featuring animals, often depicted from a low vantage point, creating a unique perspective in his works such as 'Cows in…

He left a lasting impact on Dutch Golden Age painting despite his short career.

What else happened that day

1659 Born

Born this day: Sebastiano Ricci

Sebastiano Ricci, born on August 1, 1659, was a prominent Italian Baroque painter known for his vibrant and grand manner fresco style, influenced by the Cortonesque tradition. His…

He played a significant role in shaping the late Baroque period in Venetian painting, influencing notable artists such as his nephew Marco…

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1657 Died

Died this day: Hendrik Gerritsz Pot

Hendrik Gerritsz Pot, a Dutch Golden Age painter, was known for his portraits and militia scenes, often capturing the essence of everyday life in Haarlem. His work reflects the…

Hendrik Gerritsz Pot's paintings remain a testament to the Dutch Golden Age's rich artistic heritage.

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1652 Died

Died this day: Jusepe de Ribera

Jusepe de Ribera, a prominent Spanish painter and printmaker of the Baroque era, is known for his emotionally charged and intensely realistic works, such as The Holy Family with…

He is regarded as one of the outstanding European masters of the seventeenth century.

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1651 Died

Died this day: Abraham Bloemaert

Abraham Bloemaert was a Dutch painter and printmaker who transitioned from the Haarlem Mannerists to the Baroque style, creating history subjects and landscapes with etching and…

He remains an influential figure in Dutch art history as a teacher of the Utrecht Caravaggisti.

What else happened that day

1656 Born

Born this day: Nicolas de Largillière

Nicolas de Largillière, a French painter and draughtsman, was born on October 10, 1656. He is known for his portraits, which define his work and showcase his skill in capturing…

Nicolas de Largillière's legacy lies in his significant contributions to the development of French portraiture.

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1658 Died

Died this day: Abraham van Cuylenborch

Abraham van Cuylenborch, a Dutch Golden Age landscape painter, is known for his serene landscapes with grottoes, often depicting mythological scenes. Born in Utrecht in 1620, his…

He remains a notable figure in Dutch landscape painting for his unique and captivating grotto scenes.

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1659 Died

Died this day: Willem Drost

Willem Drost was a Dutch Golden Age painter and printmaker known for his history paintings and portraits, such as 'Portrait of a Man' and 'The Sibyl'. His work showcases his skill…

Willem Drost's legacy lies in his contributions to the Dutch Golden Age of painting, leaving an enduring mark on the art world.

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1654 Born

Born this day: Giuseppe Bartolomeo Chiari

Giuseppe Bartolomeo Chiari, born on March 10, 1654, was an Italian painter of the late-Baroque period, active mostly in Rome, known for his works such as Bathsheba at Her Bath and…

Chiari's contributions to the late-Baroque period continue to influence the understanding of 17th and 18th-century Italian art.

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