Closer to Vermeer: new research on the painter and his art

Abstract

"Closer to Vermeer explores the world of Johannes Vermeer, a painter whose work continues to fascinate more than 350 years after his death. Taking the landmark 2023 Rijksmuseum exhibition as a point of departure, this volume brings together new art-historical and technical research by leading international experts. How did Vermeer translate his creative ideas into paint? Did the seventeenth-century Dutch master truly rely on optical devices? What do the carefully rendered objects in his interiors reveal about the artist himself? And how has the perception of his small but extraordinary oeuvre evolved over time? Using the latest imaging techniques, researchers scrutinize Vermeer’s masterpieces, yielding compelling new insights into his artistic process, material choices, and technical virtuosity. These investigations contribute to a deeper understanding of Vermeer’s painting technique throughout his career. Other specialists revisit seventeenth-century sources, uncover new archival documents, and explore Vermeer’s patrons and the material world he portrayed. The objects depicted in his interiors – maps, pearls, porcelain, kitchenware – are examined not merely as visual motifs, but as clues to his worldview and working methods. At once scholarly and accessible, Closer to Vermeer offers a fresh, intimate perspective on one of the most enigmatic and beloved painters – a vital resource and enduring reference for specialists and art lovers alike." -- Provided by publisher.