The Vermeer exhibition focuses on the ambitions, work, life, faith and environment of the 17-century master painter. Seven paintings in the collection of 28 masterpieces are on display in the Netherlands for the first time in more than two centuries.
For the first time in the Netherlands
Of the 28 paintings on display during the exhibition, seven have never before been seen in the Netherlands. These are the newly restored Letter-reading girl at the window, The matchmaker, Interruption of music, Lady and maid, The glass of wine, Loop player and Young woman at the virginal. In addition, highlights include The Girl with the Pearl Earring, The Geographer from the Städel Museum, Writing Woman with Servant, The Lace Maker and Woman with the Scales.
Closer to Vermeer
To give visitors a better understanding of Vermeer's work, eleven themes have been chosen. These themes cover Vermeer's early ambitions, the first interiors, the balance between inner and outer worlds, letters, musical seduction, his view of the world and inner values, among others. In this way the visitor gets closer to Vermeer, so to speak.
New research
Extensive research has been done on the Delft artist in preparation for the exhibition, which has provided new insights about his social position, his contacts with artists and others around him, and the influence of his faith on his work, among other things.
Johannes Vermeer did not make many paintings. However, the impression they make is unforgettable. The intimacy of his work makes time stand still in a world where so much is upon us. We are grateful to all the museums and individuals for their generosity and making this exceptional exhibition possible. - Taco Dibbits, chief director Rijksmuseum
Johannes Vermeer
Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) was based in Delft, where he grew up in his father's art business and received a Protestant upbringing. Upon his marriage, he was admitted to a Catholic family. He had 14 or 15 children, 11 of whom survived their childhood. In addition to being a painter, Vermeer was an art dealer and leader of the St. Luke's Guild of Artists. He is best known for his hushed, introverted interior scenes, his unprecedented use of bright, colorful light and his convincing illusionism. Unlike Rembrandt, Vermeer has a remarkably small oeuvre of only 37 paintings. Seven paintings are in the Netherlands, four in the Rijksmuseum, including Milkmaid and Little Street, and three in the Mauritshuis, including Girl with a Pearl Earring and View of Delft.
Coffee table book Vermeer
The Vermeer exhibition is accompanied by a beautiful coffee-table book compiled by Pieter Roelofs and Gregor J.M. Weber, the curators of exhibition. The book discusses all of Vermeer's paintings in conjunction with the latest insights. World-renowned bookmaker Irma Boom provided the design. The 320-page coffee book is available via Amsterdam Original available.