The Dutch Golden Age was a period in Dutch history, roughly equivalent to the 17th century, in which Dutch trade, science and art were top ranking in the world until Tulip Mania in 1637 and onwards. The accompanying article about the Dutch Golden Age focuses on society, religion and culture. There are also articles about the Eighty Years' War (the Dutch revolt against Spain) and the Anglo-Dutch Wars. A concise broader picture is painted in History of the Netherlands. People are listed here per category in order of year of birth. Note: Many Dutchmen from this period had a middle name ending in szoon, which means son of. It is also commonly written as sz., for instance ''Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn''.

Sciences and philosophy

Religion

Painting

The best known Dutch painters of the 17th century include: For a more comprehensive listing, see the List of Dutch painters. Less famous painters from this period were:

Architecture

The most famous Dutch architects of the 17th century were : Less famous architects from this period were:

Literature

The most famous Dutch men of letters of the 17th century were: Less famous literary men from this period were:

Sculpture

Dutch sculptors of the 17th century were:

Music

The most famous Dutch composers of the 17th century were: Less famous composers/musicians from this period were:

Exploration

Colonization

Business

Politics

Military