The Royal Collection has a stunning collection of seventeenth century Dutch art

Portraiture
During the seventeenth century, a burgeoning mercantile class eager to display their new-found wealth became a rich source of commissions for portrait painters. Strict Calvinistic principles precluded excessive rhetoric, meaning that, in general, portraiture of the time was characterised by sombre clothing and undemonstrative poses. Even a full-length might be construed as extravagant. The portraits selected here demonstrate a departure from that formulaic norm. It was thought that the inclusion of props, possessions or views of land in the background would demonstrate pride and, as such, there is a certain conventionality about many Dutch portraits.
Rembrandt van Rijn (Leiden 1606-Amsterdam 1669)
"The Shipbuilder and his Wife": Jan Rijcksen (1560/2-1637) and his Wife, Griet Jans
Jan de Bray (Haarlem c.1627-Haarlem 1697)
The Banquet of Cleopatra
Gerrit van Honthorst (Utrecht 1590-1656)
George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham (1592-1628) with his Family
Jan de Baen (Haarlem 1633-The Hague 1702)
William III when Prince of Orange (1650-1702)
Frans Hals (Antwerp c.1580-Haarlem 1666)
Portrait of a Man
Melchior de Hondecoeter (Utrecht 1636-Amsterdam 1695)
Johan Ortt (1642-1701) on Horseback outside the Gate of Nijenrode Castle
Gabriel Metsu (Leiden 1629-Amsterdam 1667)