Jan Saenredam - Autumn, from the series The Seasons

С 16 века голландские художники использовали гравюры для продвижения своего искусства и доступа к более широкой публике, чем это было возможно для одной картины. Во время Золотого века Голландии (17 век) голландские художники усовершенствовали технику офорта и гравюры. Рост гравюры в Нидерландах объясняется связью между Италией и Нидерландами в течение 1500-х годов. Вместе с масштабным производством это позволило расширить охват творчества художника. Принты были популярны как предметы коллекционирования, поэтому издательства заказывали художникам рисунок или картину, а затем печатали работы для коллекционеров - аналогично тому, что происходит сегодня в издательствах. Голландская гравюра быстро развивалась, поэтому в 16 веке офорт преобладал над гравюрой. Крупнейшие голландские художники-гравюры: Иероним Босх, Питер Брейгель Старший, Хендрик Гольциус, Рембрандт ван Рейн, Анна Мария ван Шурман, Адриан Янс ван Остаде, Фердинанд Бол.

Hendrick Goltzius (1558-1617) was a Dutch graphic artist and painter. He was born in Bracht, Germany, but spent most of his life in the Netherlands. Goltzius is best known for his engravings, which are highly detailed and often depict mythological or biblical subjects. He was also a successful painter, producing portraits, landscapes and historical scenes. Goltzius was a leading figure in the Dutch Mannerist movement, which emphasised elegance and refinement in art. His work was a major influence on later artists, including Rembrandt and Rubens.

Jan Pietersz Saenredam (1565-1607) was a Dutch painter and printmaker of the Northern Renaissance. He was born in Zaandam, the Netherlands, and trained with his father, Pieter Jansz Saenredam, a woodcarver and sculptor. Saenredam was known for his architectural paintings, especially of churches and other religious buildings. He was inspired by the work of the Italian Renaissance artist Andrea Palladio and incorporated Palladian elements into his own work. Saenredam's paintings often featured precise, detailed renderings of architectural elements such as arches, columns and vaulted ceilings. Saenredam also created etchings and engravings, which were highly sought after during his lifetime. His prints included landscapes, portraits and genre scenes as well as architectural subjects. Saenredam's work had a significant influence on Dutch Golden Age painters such as Pieter Jansz. Saenredam (his son), Emanuel de Witte and Gerard Houckgeest. His legacy continues to inspire artists today.