From as early as the 10^th and 11^th centuries the Dutch have been able to showcase their financial, mercantile, and cultural successes through their artistry. The manner in which they framed their art was an extremely important aesthetic element that helped to accentuate the portrayal of Dutch paintings. The climax of Dutch artistic accomplishment most definitively occurred during the 16^th and 17^th centuries with the establishment of the Dutch Republic in 1609 and the development of the Dutch East India Company.  Not only were they able to support their artistic endeavors by means of their excessive wealth from international trade, but the Dutch were also able to exhibit their national pride by incorporating themes of power and sovereignty into their art.