Well I can't tell you how wonderful it was to go to the Art gallery yesterday to see some of the original oil paintings from the Dutch Painters, dating back to middle 1600 - 1700.

I didn't realize how much emotion it would evoke in me. The landscaping, the way the lighting was portrayed, just outstanding. The detail and realism unbelievable.
Sometimes they would paint, scrape off and add new things, and it could take years to finish a painting. I guess that is why they are so beautiful.

They even had original artifacts from that era on display. One of the glasses was a replica of one used in a floral painting. It was amazing to see it survive such a time frame and still be intact and not even cracked!

It really gave a lot of insight to the way they thought and felt in that era. For example they would put all their jewels on a child for their portrait to show wealth and affluence.
While others that might have money, would dress in black very simple wearing no jewelry, because of their religious belief's.
Truly a learning experience. I would recommend this to any who are interested in that style of art, to go and see the display. The display is on until Sept and here is the link for more info on it http://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/