Mirror of Nature: Dutch Paintings from the Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Edward William Carter

Few great collections of Dutch paintings have been so sharply focused and of such astonishing quality as the Carter collection. Rather than attempting to collect all aspects of Dutch art, the Carters have focused exclusively on landscapes, seascapes, town views, still lifes and church interiors by all the major masters, including Willem van de Velde, Jacob van Ruisdael, Meynder Hobbema, Jan Both, Aelbert Cuyp and Pieter Saenredam. The result is a selection of paintings that stand as the most distinguished representatives of their respective categories. All demonstrate the incredible skill of Dutch artists to celebrate the physical world, whether natural or man-made, whether modest views of home or exotic scenery from abroad, whether humble household objects or the wonders of the garden.