Factopus

6 of 8

LESSON 2 · Art vs Power: The Reformation

PAUSE TO THINK

Why did a Dutch buyer want exotic shells or Chinese porcelain in a painting?

To display wealth and global reach

Rare shells, imported porcelain, and tulips signaled that the owner could afford goods carried home by Dutch trading fleets. Owning the painting was a quieter, lasting way to advertise that buying power.

←Back Next Page →