Dutch Etchers of the Seventeenth Century

"Dutch Etchers of the Seventeenth Century" by Laurence Binyon is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work serves as an introduction to notable Dutch etchers from the 1600s, exploring their contributions to the art of etching while contrasting their work with that of the more widely recognized Rembrandt. Binyon underscores the significance of these artists in the context of Dutch art and their relationship to the broader history of painting. The opening of this examination sets the stage by discussing the initial popularity of Dutch etchers, particularly through a comparison with their contemporaries, including Rembrandt. Binyon highlights how similar to Shakespeare among playwrights, Rembrandt dwarfs his peers’ achievements, yet still emphasizes the importance of other etchers like Ostade and Potter, whose works should not be overshadowed by the master’s fame. Through this introduction, Binyon provides insights into the artistic landscape of 17th-century Holland, recognizing both the achievements of these lesser-known artists and the need for a reevaluation of their legacies. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Robert Laurence Binyon, CH was an English poet, dramatist and art scholar. Born in Lancaster, England, his parents were Frederick Binyon, a clergyman, and Mary Dockray. He studied at St Paul's School, London and at Trinity College, Oxford, where he won the Newdigate Prize for poetry in 1891. He worked for the British Museum from 1893 until his retirement in 1933. In 1904 he married the historian Cicely Margaret Powell, with whom he had three daughters, including the artist Nicolete Gray.