FINE ARTS

Vermeer

Thames & Hudson. May 2023. 320p. ed. by Pieter Roelofs & Gregor J.M. Weber. ISBN 9780500026724. $65. FINE ARTS
COPY ISBN
Johannes Vermeer (1632–75) produced only about 37 paintings in his lifetime, yet his skills as an artist are as revered as those of any of the other Flemish and Dutch masters of the 17th century. He is renowned for his exquisitely detailed paintings of mundane scenes of daily life, each painting taking the viewer into an ordinary vignette of 17th-century Holland. This comprehensive volume, with foreword by Taco Dibbits, general director of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, was published to accompany the Vermeer exhibition at the Rijksmuseum that ran February 10 through June 4, 2023. In the catalogue, nine Vermeer scholars share their knowledge and expertise to present an in-depth study of all his known paintings. They give insight into his life and influences while analyzing the paintings and their compositions in great detail. Follow along as experts explore Vermeer’s life and chronologically examine the evolution of his technique.
VERDICT Heavily illustrated with images of the paintings, pictured both in full and in magnified detail, this catalogue is a feast for the eyes as well as the mind. One of the most comprehensive studies of Vermeer in years, worthy of any art history collection.
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?