Holland, ˜an island of freedom', a country where trading from all around the world takes place, a place where artists, male or female, are able to freely create and sell their works to others. It was clear that Holland had something different from the other empires, making it so successful. This was a result of the overthrow of Spanish rule, the need for new patrons and new art styles, and the beginning of an art trading revolution.
The country of Holland was under the control of Spain for decades. Over the years there was constant religious war. The Dutch revolted, a monstrous rebellion occurred, and the Spanish were defeated. The Dutch were tired of religious battles and wanted to prosper through international trade. Therefore, once freed, a republic was created, a country based solely on democracy, where the people had the political freedom to voice their concerns and elect their leaders. .
Nevertheless, with political freedom artist had lost their three largest patrons: the church, the court and the noble. This event developed artistic trade. Artists had to search for new employers, so who better to turn to than the general public. Artists had to change their styles and subject matters in order to meet public demand. One of the most preferable subjects was genre for it was easy for everyday people to relate to. A famous female artist known for her genre paintings, like ˜Boy with Flute', was Judith Leyster. Her popularity in Holland's renewed art society opened a path for female artist to enter the art world. New subjects such as still life were created and became very popular with the public for it showed the beauty of something at its most calm and natural state. The most famous Dutch painter of this style was not a male, but a female painter named Rachel Ruysch. Her still life paintings of animals and flowers earned Rusych a lot credit and profit. Paintings such as ˜Flower Still Life' with its careful realistic details and S-curve arrangement became a standard for flower painters in the 18th century.