It also witnessed an unprecedented flourishing of the visual arts and literature, producing some of the most famous Dutch artists and writers, such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Vondel. But it was also a time of endemic warfare, of ruthless colonial expansion, and of poverty and disease. Commerce and the arts thrived against a background of almost constant political unrest, the threat of foreign invasion, and harsh changing climate conditions.

This extraordinary century lends itself to myth-making and has long been described as the ‘Dutch Golden Age’. Yet, this one-dimensional interpretation does not do justice to the many ambiguities, contrasts, and tensions that characterise the period. This course provides an interdisciplinary and multi-layered introduction to this turbulent episode in Dutch history.

Day, time, location and costs

• 9 September - 16 October 2026
• Wednesday 11:00-12:45 and Friday 13:00-14:45
• Oudemanhuispoort, D0.09
• Costs: € 210 (AUV-members € 189)

Important to know

• The registration deadline for this Open UvA Course is 20 August 2026.
• For the current study schedule, please consult the UvA timetable website
• You can only audit an OUC, which means that you may only attend lectures and cannot attend seminars, take part in the examination, or obtain ECTS credits.

Lecturer

Public programme Humanities

This Open UvA Course is part of the Faculty of Humanities' public programme. Beside Open UvA Courses, the public programme also comprises special lectures and series of courses. The public programme is intended for alumni, employees looking for extra training, and all others who are interested in art, culture, philosophy, language and literature, history and religion.

See all Open UvA Courses in Humanities