What is a reason Dutch museums may push back against the terminology of the "Dutch Golden Age"?

Question

the large numbers of merchants

artwork from this period is fake

the legacy of slavery

the Dutch traded only in silver

Answer 1

The legacy of slavery is a significant reason why Dutch museums may push back against the terminology of the "Dutch Golden Age." During this era, the Netherlands was heavily involved in the transatlantic slave trade, and this aspect of history is often overlooked or downplayed when referring to the period as a golden age. The terminology not only glorifies a specific period of economic prosperity and cultural flourishing but also ignores the dark legacy of slavery that was an integral part of Dutch colonial history. Therefore, museums may feel the need to challenge and reevaluate the terminology in order to present a more inclusive and comprehensive narrative of the Dutch Golden Age.