To further grasp the era of the Dutch Golden Age, several historians have relied on artistic interpretations as one of their primarily sources. Artist during the Dutch era, were able to decipher the historical period without statistical facts or textual analysis, they had the benefit of first-hand observations. Artist were able to capture beyond objective data, they were able to unravel the underlying feelings during and after the Dutch Golden Age. One artist that has …showed first 75 words of 966 total…

…showed last 75 words of 966 total…the deterioration of Dutch political life and hypocritical religious toleration. Jan Steen's painting of The Effects of Intemperance (1663-65) showed that the reliance on temporary economic benefits proved to be disastrous. The change from economic bliss to economic ruin caused societal issues in the Dutch family-life to become apparent. Jan Steen's paintings were able to capture Dutch society without hindering reality; he explicitly showed the flaws and restraints that the Dutch Golden Age put forth.