Final answer:
During the 17th century, artists in the Baroque Netherlands developed a distinct style that focused on greater realism and naturalistic composition, tailored to the tastes of the prosperous middle class.
Step-by-step explanation:
Artists developed a distinct style during the 17th century in the Baroque Netherlands. This era of art was marked by a greater realism or naturalistic composition, influenced by the cultural and socioeconomic context of the region. The Baroque period in Protestant areas like the Netherlands contrasted with that of Catholic countries. Artists were responding to different patrons, often creating still life and nature-related paintings for a prosperous middle class who were buying art for personal consumption rather than for church purposes. This resulted in a unique interpretation of the Baroque style that was more focused on realism.