Claim profile
1600–1699

The 17th century

Whose working lives fell in the 17th century. Books are measured from 1800 and readers from 2015, so for this period we can say who lived then, not who was talked about then.

Lived then

The most notable people whose working lives fell in the 17th century, ranked where Wikipedia coverage and readership agree.

CountryAll🇫🇷 France🇩🇪 Germany🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇯🇵 Japan🇹🇷 Turkey🇳🇱 Netherlands🇪🇸 Spain🇮🇹 Italy🇸🇪 Sweden🇨🇳 China
FieldAllWritersPoliticiansHistorical FiguresArtistsAcademicsScientistsMusiciansReligious FiguresActorsModels
  1. 1Baruch SpinozaBaruch Spinoza1632–1677 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Academics16 decades
  2. 2RembrandtRembrandt1606–1669 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Artists22 decades
  3. 3Johannes VermeerJohannes Vermeer1632–1675 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Artists3 decades
  4. 4William III of EnglandWilliam III of England1650–1702 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Historical Figures2 decades
  5. 5Christiaan HuygensChristiaan Huygens1629–1695 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Academics7 decades
  6. 6Maria Sibylla MerianMaria Sibylla Merian1647–1717 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Scientists9 decades
  7. 7Hugo GrotiusHugo Grotius1583–1645 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Academics22 decades
  8. 8Antonie van LeeuwenhoekAntonie van Leeuwenhoek1632–1723 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Scientists7 decades
  9. 9Abel TasmanAbel Tasman1603–1659 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Historical Figures8 decades
  10. 10HALSHALS1582–1666 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Artists17 decades
  11. 11Johan de WittJohan de Witt1625–1672 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Academics0 decades
  12. 12Michiel de RuyterMichiel de Ruyter1607–1676 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Writers0 decades
  13. 13Peter StuyvesantPeter Stuyvesant1612–1672 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Politicians22 decades
  14. 14William II, Prince of OrangeWilliam II, Prince of Orange1626–1650 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Historical Figures22 decades
  15. 15Jan SteenJan Steen1626–1679 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Artists22 decades
  16. 16Jacob van RuisdaelJacob van Ruisdael1628–1682 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Artists5 decades
  17. 17Frederick Henry of Orange-NassauFrederick Henry of Orange-Nassau1584–1647 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Politiciansnot measured—
  18. 18Judith LeysterJudith Leyster1609–1660 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Artists0 decades
  19. 19James Scott, 1st Duke of MonmouthJames Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth1649–1685 · 🇳🇱 Netherlandsnot measured—
  20. 20Saskia van UylenburghSaskia van Uylenburgh1612–1642 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands0 decades
  21. 21Jan van RiebeeckJan van Riebeeck1619–1677 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Politicians7 decades
  22. 22Pieter de HoochPieter de Hooch1629–1684 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Artists11 decades
  23. 23WJWillem Janszoon1570–1630 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Historical Figures0 decades
  24. 24Willem SchoutenWillem Schouten1577–1625 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Historical Figures0 decades
  25. 25Maarten TrompMaarten Tromp1598–1653 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands0 decades
  26. 26Piet Pieterszoon HeinPiet Pieterszoon Hein1577–1629 · 🇳🇱 Netherlandsnot measured—
  27. 27Meindert HobbemaMeindert Hobbema1638–1709 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Artists0 decades
  28. 28Constantijn HuygensConstantijn Huygens1596–1687 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Writers18 decades
  29. 29Cornelis TrompCornelis Tromp1629–1691 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands0 decades
  30. 30Jan Mourad JanszoonJan Mourad Janszoon1570–1641 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Politiciansnot measured—
  31. 31Nicolaes TulpNicolaes Tulp1593–1674 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Doctors0 decades
  32. 32Zaccarias JanssenZaccarias Janssen1580–1632 · 🇳🇱 Netherlandsnot measured—
  33. 33Anthony van DiemenAnthony van Diemen1593–1645 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Politicians0 decades
  34. 34Dirk HartogDirk Hartog1580–1621 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Historical Figures8 decades
  35. 35William Frederick, Prince of Nassau-DietzWilliam Frederick, Prince of Nassau-Dietz1613–1664 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Politicians22 decades
  36. 36Prince Hendrik Casimir II, Prince of Nassau-DietzPrince Hendrik Casimir II, Prince of Nassau-Dietz1657–1696 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Politiciansnot measured—
  37. 37Willem de VlaminghWillem de Vlamingh1640–1698 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Historical Figures0 decades
  38. 38Roche BrazilianoRoche Brazilianoborn 1630 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands0 decades
  39. 39Pieter BothPieter Both1568–1615 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands0 decades
  40. 40Witte Corneliszoon de WithWitte Corneliszoon de With1599–1658 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands0 decades
  41. 41Johann Adam ReinckenJohann Adam Reincken1643–1722 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Musicians0 decades
  42. 42Tylman van GamerenTylman van Gameren1632–1706 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Architects0 decades
  43. 43Christoph Bernhard von GalenChristoph Bernhard von Galen1606–1678 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Religious Figures14 decades
  44. 44Menno van CoehoornMenno van Coehoorn1641–1704 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Scientists0 decades
  45. 45Jacob van HeemskerckJacob van Heemskerck1567–1607 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Historical Figures0 decades
  46. 46Balthasar van der AstBalthasar van der Ast1593–1657 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Artists0 decades
  47. 47Matthias StomMatthias Stom1600–1660 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Artists0 decades
  48. 48Hercules SeghersHercules Seghers1589–1638 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Artists0 decades
  49. 49Adriaen BlockAdriaen Block1567–1627 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Historical Figures0 decades
  50. 50Willem van AelstWillem van Aelst1627–1683 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Artists0 decades
  51. 51Hendrickje StoffelsHendrickje Stoffels1626–1663 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands0 decades
  52. 52Hendrick HamelHendrick Hamel1630–1692 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Historical Figures0 decades
  53. 53Emanuel de WitteEmanuel de Witte1617–1692 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Artists0 decades
  54. 54Cornelis de BruijnCornelis de Bruijn1652–1727 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Writers0 decades
  55. 55Pieter van LaerPieter van Laer1613–1642 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Artists6 decades
  56. 56Countess Emilia of NassauCountess Emilia of Nassau1569–1629 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  57. 57Trijntje KeeverTrijntje Keever1616–1633 · 🇳🇱 Netherlandsnot measured—
  58. 58Cornelis de GraeffCornelis de Graeff1599–1664 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Politicians0 decades
  59. 59Gerardus VossiusGerardus Vossius1577–1649 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Actors0 decades
  60. 60Henry Casimir I of Nassau-DietzHenry Casimir I of Nassau-Dietz1612–1640 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Politiciansnot measured—
  61. 61Agnes BlockAgnes Block1629–1704 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Artists0 decades
  62. 62Simon van der StelSimon van der Stel1639–1712 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands8 decades
  63. 63Karel DujardinKarel Dujardin1626–1678 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Artists0 decades
  64. 64Johan NieuhofJohan Nieuhof1618–1672 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Historical Figures0 decades
  65. 65Joannes de LaetJoannes de Laet1581–1649 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Writers0 decades
  66. 66Jan van BijlertJan van Bijlert1597–1671 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Artists0 decades
  67. 67Marcus Zuerius van BoxhornMarcus Zuerius van Boxhorn1612–1653 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Academics0 decades
  68. 68LPLawrence Prince1630–1717 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands0 decades
  69. 69Albert GirardAlbert Girard1595–1632 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Academics19 decades
  70. 70Jan de BrayJan de Bray1627–1697 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Artists0 decades
  71. 71Joseph de la VegaJoseph de la Vega1650–1692 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Writers0 decades
  72. 72ZDZymen Danseker1579–1615 · 🇳🇱 Netherlandsnot measured—
  73. 73Claes Janszoon Visscher IIClaes Janszoon Visscher II1586–1652 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Scientistsnot measured—
  74. 74Jan LeeghwaterJan Leeghwater1575–1650 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands0 decades
  75. 75Laurens de GraafLaurens de Graaf1653–1704 · 🇳🇱 Netherlandsnot measured—
  76. 76Jan BothJan Both1618–1652 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Artists1 decades
  77. 77Pieter NuytsPieter Nuyts1598–1655 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Historical Figures0 decades
  78. 78Countess Charlotte Brabantina of NassauCountess Charlotte Brabantina of Nassau1580–1631 · 🇳🇱 Netherlandsnot measured—
  79. 79Adriaen Cornelissen van der DonckAdriaen Cornelissen van der Donck1620–1655 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Politicians0 decades
  80. 80Jan Baptist WeenixJan Baptist Weenix1621–1659 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Artists0 decades
  81. 81Egbert van der PoelEgbert van der Poel1621–1664 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Artists0 decades
  82. 82Martin VriesMartin Vries1589–1647 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Historical Figures0 decades
  83. 83Manuel, Prince Hereditary of PortugalManuel, Prince Hereditary of Portugal1568–1638 · 🇳🇱 Netherlandsnot measured—
  84. 84Caesar van EverdingenCaesar van Everdingen1616–1678 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Artists0 decades
  85. 85Willem BontekoeWillem Bontekoe1587–1657 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Historical Figures0 decades
  86. 86HSHarmen Steenwijck1612–1656 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Artists0 decades
  87. 87Pieter de CarpentierPieter de Carpentier1586–1659 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Politicians0 decades
  88. 88Thomas van ErpeThomas van Erpe1584–1624 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Academics0 decades
  89. 89Godert de Ginkell, 1st Earl of AthloneGodert de Ginkell, 1st Earl of Athlone1644–1703 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands0 decades
  90. 90Cornelis Evertsen the YoungestCornelis Evertsen the Youngest1642–1706 · 🇳🇱 Netherlandsnot measured—
  91. 91Pieter van RuijvenPieter van Ruijven1624–1674 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands0 decades
  92. 92Gysbert JapiksGysbert Japiks1603–1666 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Writers0 decades
  93. 93IDIvan Dirkie de Veenboer1599–1620 · 🇳🇱 Netherlandsnot measured—
  94. 94Willem van MierisWillem van Mieris1662–1747 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Artists0 decades
  95. 95David BaillyDavid Bailly1584–1657 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Artists0 decades
  96. 96Gerard ReynstGerard Reynst1568–1615 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Politicians0 decades
  97. 97JJJan Jacobszoon May van Schellinkhout1600–1700 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  98. 98Nicolaas HartsoekerNicolaas Hartsoeker1656–1725 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Scientists0 decades
  99. 99Laurens ReaelLaurens Reael1583–1637 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Writers0 decades
  100. 100Johan van GalenJohan van Galen1604–1653 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands0 decades

How this is measured

  • Placing people in time. Each person belongs to the century in which they were most active — around age 35, and never after their death.
  • Who ranks highest. Within a century, people are ranked where two independent signals agree: how many of the world’s Wikipedia language editions cover them, and how many people actually read about them. Article counts alone can be lifted by a person’s own circle; readers cannot.
  • Fame in print. The curves count how often a name appears in Google Books from 1800 to 2019, as a share of all the words printed each year, in the person’s own language wherever that corpus exists. Those decades are over, so each measurement is made once and kept.
  • What is left out. A lifetime is measured only from 1820, when there is enough print to judge; the five years after a death are skipped as obituaries; and a name shared with someone equally notable is credited to neither.