Daily Life in Holland in the Year 1566

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The vivid illustrations of renowned Dutch artist and naturalist Rien Poortvliet are celebrated globally for their warmth and imagination, depicting people, animals, and fantastical creatures like gnomes. His latest work, inspired by the rich legacy of Dutch landscape and genre painting and his own heritage, delves into the year 1566 through the lens of a document revealing an armoire owned by his ancestor, Jacob Jansz Poortvliet. This discovery led to a treasure trove of insights into his ancestor's world. Characteristically evocative, the words and images in this book are rich in detail and delicate in coloration, possibly the most beautiful of Poortvliet's creations. He vividly recreates the lives of his forebears as they navigated daily existence, highlighting that the past was not merely a romantic vision of tulips and windmills. Instead, 1566 was a year of significant hardship in Holland, marked by famine, plague, extreme weather, and an invasion by the Spanish. Through this fascinating saga, readers gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and resilience of those who lived during this extraordinary time.