Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: Moses after the sculpture by Michelangelo

In 1540 Antonio Lafreri, a native of Besançon transplanted to Rome, began publishing maps and other printed images that depicted major monuments and antiquities in Rome. These images were produced to appeal to the taste for classical antiquity that fueled the Renaissance. After Lafreri published a title page in the mid-1570s, collections of these prints came to be known as the Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae, the "Mirror of Roman Magnificence." Tourists and other collectors who bought prints from Lafreri made their own selections and had them individually bound. Over time, Lafreri's title page served as starting point for large and eclectic compilations, expanded and rearranged by generations of collectors.

The Dutch Golden Age was a period from 1581 to 1672, when the Netherlands experienced the "Dutch Miracle", transcended to the foremost maritime and economic power. In 1568, the Seven Provinces started a rebellion against Philip II of Spain, leading to the Eighty Years' War with Spain and the Thirty Years' War between other European superpowers. Protestants moved from the southern to the northern Netherlands, many settled in Amsterdam, transforming a port town into one of the most important commercial centers in the world by 1630. In addition to the migration of Protestants, there were also influxes of refugees who had previously fled from religious persecution, particularly Sephardi Jews from Portugal and Spain, and Protestants from France. Catholics moved in the other direction - to the southern provinces, modern Belgium. North quickly gained the highest literacy rates in Europe, an abundance of capital, the largest merchant fleet in Europe. The Dutch dominated trade in the Baltic Sea, between China and Japan, and with the English colonies in North America. The Dutch East India Company (VOC) was the first multinational corporation, financed by shares that established the first modern stock exchange. The Bank of Amsterdam, the first central bank, was established in 1609. The Dutch Golden Age is the art period dominanted by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Jacob van Ruisdael, and Frans Hals. Some notable artistic styles and trends include Haarlem Mannerism, Utrecht Caravaggism, the School of Delft, the Leiden fijnschilders, and Dutch classicism. 1672 is called a disaster year" when the Dutch Republic was attacked by England, France, Münster, and Bavaria. The invading armies quickly defeated most of the Dutch States Army and conquered part of the Republic.

Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475–1564) was an Italian sculptor, painter, architect and poet of the High Renaissance. He is considered one of the greatest artists of all time and his works have had a profound influence on Western art. Michelangelo's most famous works include the sculpture of David, the frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome, and the design of the dome of St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. He also created many other sculptures, paintings and architectural designs during his long career. Michelangelo was born in Tuscany, Italy, and began his artistic training at an early age. He was apprenticed to the painter Domenico Ghirlandaio and later studied sculpture with Bertoldo di Giovanni. His early works include the sculpture of the Madonna of the Stairs and the painting of the Doni Tondo. In 1505, Michelangelo was commissioned to create a monumental sculpture of David for the city of Florence. The resulting masterpiece is considered one of the greatest sculptures ever created and established Michelangelo as one of the leading artists of his time. Michelangelo's other major works include the Pieta, a sculpture of Mary holding the body of Jesus, and the Moses sculpture, which was intended for the tomb of Pope Julius II. He also designed the Medici Chapel in Florence and the Laurentian Library in Rome. Michelangelo was known for his intense concentration and dedication to his work, often working long hours without rest. He was also a prolific writer of poetry and letters, many of which survive today. Michelangelo died in Rome in 1564, aged 88. His legacy continues to inspire artists and art lovers the world over.