My thesis recaptures the golden age of the Dutch Republic from it's rise to prominence in late 16th century to its peak in the first half of 17th century, and simultaneously presents the evolution of group portrait, as the hallmmark of artisctic genious in this region and time period. Due to specific historical circumstances and natural conditions the land's development differed from other European countries, causing the Republic to experience swift economic growth and establish a unique social structure and character of the Dutch people. The purpose of this thesis is to present the specific circumstances that influenced the development of the its art, especialy the group portrait, This text covers the evolutionary steps that the Dutch group portrait of the civil guard underwent and how group portraits recapture the circumstances of the bygone golden age of Dutch Republic. My work also covers the main stylistic difficulties that plagued the Dutch painters, chiefly the hardship of achieving the balance between the unity of the group and at the same time the distinct individuality of its members.
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