The 17th century has been referred to as the Golden Age of Holland when it was a major world power and a leader in trade and science.  Today it is referred to as the Golden Age of Dutch Art as there was an explosion of art.  We think more than 5 million paintngs were produced,  some of which are considered among the greatest works of art in the world.  This study day will not only introduce you to the art of this dynamic period but will also talk about the history and culture that brought this art to fruition.  We will talk about the various subjects that were done such as History, which refers to religious and mythological subjects, Portrait, Genre, Landscape and Still Life.  As well as talking about the artists, their subjects and style, we will explore what caused this explosion of art and why different kinds of paintings such as genre and landscape became such specialities of the Dutch.  Not only the great masters Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals will be discussed but many of the 'minor masters' as they have come to be called will also be included.  We will see that they are in fact very talented in their own right.