The Dutch Republic was unique in early modern Europe in many ways. The high level of urbanization, the low number of illiterates and religious tolerance were just some of the many special features. This also included the unusually large amount of art and the immense productivity of the painters who gave this epoch the name "Golden Age". Dutch seafarers and merchants connected the world's oceans, starting from the North and Baltic Seas, and brokered goods in the most remote regions. The book describes the Dutch presence in the world, the interaction with local societies and the resulting artistic interactions on site, including their repercussions on Europe. In this way, the readers follow the engraver Maria Sibylla Merian on the trip to Suriname, experience the support of Dutch artists and scholars through Christina von Sweden, witness a true "Hollandomania" in Japan and also learn how Rembrandt used Indian art Mughal court imitated.