I had to do a bit of research for this one but here is how I would explain it:
In the 17th century, religion was far more important than it is today. It was a vital part of everyday life. Dutch artists would be influenced by the church of England as their artwork, the Church argued, played a key role in guiding the faithful. Art was certainly as important as the written or spoken word - not locked behind any language barrier - and anyone could understand it. Dutch artists had to make their art persuasive: it had to move the faithful (and disbelievers) to feel the reality of Christ’s sacrifice, the suffering of the martyrs, the visions of the saints.
The Holy Trinity, The Miracle of Christ Healing the Blind, The Adoration of the Shepherds, Assumption of the Virgin, Laocoön, The Nobleman with his Hand on his Chest, The Disrobing of Christ, Opening of the Fifth Seal, View of Toledo, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz.
