Seventeenth Century Artwork
When you search for seventeenth century artwork, you enter a domain of oil on canvas portraits, engravings, and tapestries shaped by Baroque and Dutch Golden Age currents.
Seventeenth Century Artwork
The seventeenth century artwork on this page centres primarily on oil paintings, portraiture, engravings, and tapestry cushion covers from the period.
You will encounter pieces originating from English, Dutch, Italian, and Flemish hands, spanning both original works of the era and later adaptations after masters.
Portraits of gentlemen, ladies, military officers, and clergymen dominate the selection alongside biblical and classical historical scenes.
Materials and methods
Makers utilised oil on canvas and wood panels for paintings, applying pigments with skill to achieve depth in garments and facial expressions.
Printmakers employed copper plates for engravings and mezzotints on paper, capturing fine lines and tonal gradations.
Tapestry covers combine woven textiles with period frames in giltwood and walnut to enclose the visual compositions.
Seventeenth Century Artwork Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for seventeenth century artwork among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
An exotic bird makes a surprise appearance alongside a lady and her daughter.
Distinctions in quality
Quality rests in the handling of the medium, distinguishing confident brushwork and sharp plate impressions from softer, derivative studio copies.
The fidelity of the likeness in portraiture and the intricacy of the surrounding frame contribute to the standing of a piece.
David Scougall·John Smith·Sir Godfrey Kneller·François Perrier·Gaspar Peeter Verbruggen·Le Brun·Michael Dahl·Rembrandt·Van Dyck·Peter Paul Rubens·Francesco Albani·Pietro D’asaro·Polidoro de Caravaggio·Gio Marco Paluzzi·Pieter Nason·Reinier de la Haye·Adolphe-Alexandre Lesrel·John Hoskins·Reynard Le Vieux·Daniel Mytens
The Seventeenth Century Artwork Glossary
- Mezzotint
- A printmaking process where the copper plate is roughened to achieve rich dark tones and subtle gradations of light. This technique allows for smooth tonal transitions rather than relying solely on line work.
- Baroque
- A stylistic period of the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries characterised by drama, deep shadow, and dynamic movement. Artworks from this movement emphasise theatricality and intense emotional engagement.
- Giltwood
- Wood carved and coated with a thin layer of gold leaf or metallic powder. It provides a reflective, ornate border for mirrors and paintings.
- Old Master
- A term for a European painter of skill working before about eighteen hundred. These creators set foundational standards in composition and oil technique.
Seventeenth Century Artwork: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I identify seventeenth century portraits?
Portraits from this era often feature specific costume details such as lace collars, ruffs, and doublets alongside formal poses.
Examining the handling of the canvas, pigments, and framing style also helps determine the period origin.
What is an engraving on paper?
An engraving involves incising a design into a copper plate with a sharp tool before applying ink for printing.
The resulting paper work captures fine linear detail and was frequently used to reproduce famous paintings.
Where should I hang these artworks?
These pieces suit traditional studies, living rooms, and hallways with controlled lighting away from direct sunlight.
Pairing them with period furniture enhances their historic character in a room.
Are tapestry cushions contemporary to the 1600s?
The inventory includes tapestry cushion covers specifically attributed to the seventeenth century alongside woven textiles.
They were utilised for domestic comfort and display on seating furniture.