An exhibition at the Queen's Gallery of 42 Golden Age Dutch landscapes from the Royal Collection represents a complete contrast in scale and intent. There is, though, a certain similarity of theme. With the formation of the Dutch Republic in the late 16th century, there was an upsurge in national pride and painters were personally and professionally caught up in the mood. The likes of Jacob van Ruisdael, Aelbert Cuyp, Jan van der Heyden and Meyndert Hobbema portrayed their newly-minted country in fine detail and with a clear eye to its unspectacular charms. 

They may have been working to commission but the pictures make it clear that they felt the same about their native mills, waterways, cattle, buildings and burghers as Miró did about Catalonia. Thirty-four of the works in this choice little show were collected by George IV, who had an eye for Dutch painting if not for stolid Dutch mores. And with this exhibition the Queen's Gallery adds to its quietly growing reputation for selecting gems from the Queen's vast holdings and building fine exhibitions from them.