3. Dutch Art in British Collections
To avoid any disappointment I should make it clear straightaway that it is impossible to provide an overview of the collection of Dutch art during the 18th century. Anyone reasonably au fait with the situation will be aware that the volume of art which found its way into English hands in the 18th century increased to such an enormous extent that its collection cannot be described in the space of a few pages. Even today the steadily increasing presence of Dutch works of art in both large collections and numerous smaller ones in England is allegedly a never-ending source of supply for the European (and American!) art market, from which the dealers replenish their stocks. A history of English collections – even one restricted to those comprising Dutch works of art – must be reserved for some other study. Here we will have to restrict ourselves to providing some information about collectors and collections of 17th century Dutch art.
Cover image
Matthias Withoos
Forest still life with otter and two fish, dated 1665
England, private collection James II Stuart (King of England), inv./cat.nr. 454