Commission

Definition

A commission refers to an agreement between an artist and a patron in which the patron pays for the creation of a specific work of art. This concept was essential in the Dutch Golden Age, as artists often relied on commissions from wealthy patrons, such as merchants and civic leaders, to sustain their careers and produce distinctive works that reflected both individual and societal values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the Dutch Golden Age, commissions were often tied to the wealth of the merchant class, leading to a boom in portraiture and genre paintings that depicted everyday life.
2. Artists like Rembrandt and Frans Hals gained fame and fortune through commissions from wealthy patrons who desired personalized artworks.
3. Commissions could specify not only the subject but also the style, size, and medium of the artwork, allowing patrons to exert considerable influence over the final product.
4. Group portraits were a popular form of commission in the Netherlands, showcasing civic pride and community identity through collective representations.
5. The shift from church commissions to private patrons marked a significant change in the art market during this period, emphasizing individual expression and personal achievement.

Review Questions

• How did commissions impact the artistic styles developed during the Dutch Golden Age?
  • Commissions significantly shaped artistic styles during the Dutch Golden Age by allowing artists to tailor their works to meet the preferences of wealthy patrons. This led to the evolution of portraiture styles that emphasized realism and individualism, reflecting the unique identities of subjects. Artists also experimented with techniques and compositions that appealed to their patrons' tastes, resulting in a rich diversity of styles across commissioned works.
• Evaluate the role of merchants as patrons in shaping the art scene during the Dutch Golden Age.
  • Merchants played a crucial role as patrons during the Dutch Golden Age, providing financial support for artists through commissions. Their wealth allowed them to demand high-quality works that showcased their status and influence within society. This shift in patronage from religious institutions to private individuals contributed to an explosion of creativity, as artists were encouraged to explore new themes and techniques that resonated with a broader audience.
• Assess how the nature of commissions evolved from public to private patronage and its implications for artists' careers.
  • The evolution from public to private patronage transformed artists' careers significantly. Initially reliant on church or civic commissions, artists began to seek out wealthy individuals who could afford personalized artworks. This shift allowed for greater artistic freedom and innovation as artists responded directly to individual tastes rather than institutional demands. Consequently, it enabled them to establish personal brands and reputations within a competitive art market, ultimately shaping their legacies in art history.

Related terms

Patronage:

The support, encouragement, or financial aid that an artist receives from patrons who commission works of art.

Baroque:

An artistic style characterized by dramatic use of light and shadow, emotional intensity, and grandeur, often seen in commissioned works during the 17th century.

Portraiture: The art of creating portraits, which became a significant genre in the Dutch Golden Age as artists were commissioned to create likenesses of individuals, often reflecting their social status.