The biggest Johannes Vermeer collection of all time
One of the most famous painters with the smallest oeuvre of paintings. In his lifetime (1632 – 1675), Johannes Vermeer only produced between 40 and 50 paintings, of which we know only 37. Vermeer is best known for painting intimate domestic scenes in which everyday life seems to be frozen in time. What made his work so special?
As the father of a large family, Vermeer's life was most-likely very busy and hectic. Perhaps that is why the painter always opted for that typical tranquility in his work that made him so famous. His scenes are serene, but also full of stories. The women he painted are full of life, with curious eyes, soft skin and moist lips. The most beautiful blue and brightest light. His world only exists on the canvas, but still feels very alive.
Light and perspective
One of the greatest discoveries in recent years are the tiny pinpricks in Vermeer's paintings. These pins had cords attached to them that served as construction lines for perspective. This renewed use of perspective is what makes Vermeer's paintings so special.
His work is also characterized by the presence and absence of details. Light persons and objects are set against dark parts, and colour is used as a source of light. You will not find powerful lightbeams to highlight details, as was the case with Caravaggio or Rembrandt.
Vermeer in the Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam currently has the largest overview exhibition of Vermeer. No less than 28 works from all over the world have found their way to Amsterdam to pay tribute to one of the greatest masters of all time.
The exhibition is a huge operation, and it took the Rijksmuseum countless conversations to get all the works on loan. In general, museums are not very keen on lending out their masterpieces. After all, they are their crowd pleasers. When the Rijksmuseum heard that The Frick Collection in New York, with three Vermeers in their possession, would be closing its doors due to renovation, the museum seized its opportunity. The Frick Collection agreed to loan the three Vermeers. In collaboration with the Mauritshuis in The Hague and other museums the Rijksmuseum has been able to compile a beautiful collection of 28 works. The eight remaining paintings that still hang in museums or are private collections, and are no longer lent due to their fragility. The ninth work, The Concert, was stolen thirty years ago from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston and has been missing ever since.
This is the first exhibition devoted to the famous 17th-century master in the Netherlands in almost 30 years. It is a unique opportunity to meet one of the greatest artists in the world; a chance that only comes once in a lifetime.
Unfortunately, due to great interest, tickets are no longer available for the Vermeer exhibition in the Rijksmuseum.
