A Stable c. 1665 - 1668

Philips Wouwerman made this painting of a stable with oil on a wood support, sometime in the mid-17th century. It gives us a glimpse into the society of the Dutch Golden Age. Inside a large barn, horses and people occupy a shared space. The stable isn't just a place for animals; it's a social hub. Wouwerman's choice to depict this scene reflects the growing urban elite's fascination with rural life. The painting presents an idealized version of the countryside, one that is orderly and picturesque. The artist likely made use of a commercial agreement with an art dealer in order to disseminate his work widely through the burgeoning art market of the Netherlands. Such scenes were very popular with the rising middle classes of the region. Through careful study of the economic and social history of the Dutch Golden Age, we can better understand the values and aspirations of the people who commissioned and enjoyed paintings like this one.