Renaissance in the Low Countries

The Renaissance in the Low Countries is the cultural period that roughly corresponds to the 16th century in the Low Countries.

In 1500, the Seventeen Provinces are in a personal union under the Burgundian Dukes, and with the Flemish cities as centers of gravity, culturally and economically form one of the richest parts of Europe.

During the course of the century the region also experiences significant changes.

The union with Spain under Charles V, Humanism and Reformation leads to a rebellion against the Spanish rule and the start of the religious war.

By the end of the 16th century, the northern and southern Netherlands are effectively split.

While this fracture is reflected in the visual arts by the Dutch Golden Age in the north and the Flemish Baroque in the south, other areas of thought remain associated with 16th century currents of Renaissance thought.

Gradually, the balance of power shifts away from the Southern Netherlands, which remain under Spanish authority, to the emerging Dutch Republic.

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