The 100 essential paintings of the 17th century

The 17th century covers the years 1601 to 1700. The Vocation of Saint Matthew, completed in 1600 and founding for Caravaggio of the century, is preserved as an explicitly noted pivotal work.

Baroque favors movement, contrast, illusion and spectator engagement. But the century also includes the classicism of Poussin, Dutch realism and the sobriety of Zurbaran or Philippe de Champaigne.

Italy, Flanders, the United Provinces, Spain and France structure the route. Their dialogue explains the rapid circulation of chiaroscuro, court portraiture, classical landscape and genre scenes.

It brings sacred stories closer to the contemporary world, uses directional light as a narrative engine and gives bodies a presence without idealization. Its influence crosses all of Europe.

It broadens the subjects: interiors, professions, landscapes, civic portraits and daily life. Vermeer, Hals, Ruisdael, de Hooch and Cuyp show that pictorial ambition does not depend on the great historical narrative.

Rubens favors energy, color, flesh and diagonals; Chick constructed by measured gestures, plans and intellectual relationships. Their works embody two major poles of the century, often opposed but also fruitful.

Artemisia Gentileschi occupies six places, including Judith beheading Holofernes and her Self-portrait as an allegory of painting. Her work renews the representation of action, gaze and feminine autonomy.

Large baroque formats require perspective, while Vermeer, La Tour or portraits of Hals operate in more intimate spaces. The palette and intensity of the chiaroscuro are also decisive.