Think like an artist: in 17th century Britain

What was it like to be an artist in Britain in the 17th century? Success meant working for the British monarchy, reinforcing its authority and power through portraiture. But what else might have been important to an artist? This century saw the emergence of the commercial art market in Britain, and an opening up of subject matter. We will explore, through the art, how the profession of being an artist developed and changed. Why did foreign artists including Van Dyck, Rubens and Peter Lely dominate British art of the period? What did British artists such as Samuel Cooper, William Dobson and Mary Beale have to offer? This one-day course is part of a series, looking at art in Britain in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
Includes gallery visit.