The Golden Century in the Republic of the 
		Netherlands was a period of flourishing trade science
		and culture. It took place in the 17th century.
	 	
		Opposit to the surrounding countries the different
		lower and higher classes had no power. Neither the
		clergy nor the nobility shared any power of govern-
		ment. The presence of a great number of towns provided
		an dominating influence of wealthy citizens
		The group of wealthiest trademen with international
		connections, the industrials and large landowners
		however, did not form a homogeneous block. They were
		fighting each other about governmental leading positions.

		A part of the middle-classes, wealthy because of the
		great flourishing economy, started to show interest
		for art, literature and science.


		
	
		Rembrandt was the most famous painter from this century.
		Above you see the Nachtwacht (Nightgard), which you can
		admire in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. 
		The art of painted reached a very high level, especially
		portraits, still lifes and style creations.
		The municipalities and the wealthy citizens were also
		the pricipals for impressive architecture like townhalls,
		town-gates and houses.

		Much literature had been addressed to all the classes
		of the population. Jacob Cats, Bredero, Vondel and Huygens
		were the great authors. The composers Sweelinck and Huygens
		were the musical talents of that period.

		Because of the relativ great tolerance, the Republic was a
		refuge for intellectuals and science reached a high standard.
		The Dutch lawyer Hugo de Groot was world-famous as Christiaan
		Huygens for his pendulum-clockwork and Anthony van Leeuwenhoek
		for his invention of the microscope.