VERMEER

A heavyweight glamorous Phaidon Art publication and a lively, highly illustrated survey taking a fresh look at artist and art movements, exploring them in the context of the society and ideas that shaped them. Johannes Vermeer (1632-75), known as the 'painter of light', is one of the most popular Old Master painters and a leading figure of the Dutch Golden Age. He draws the viewer into a world of enigmatic expression and intimate interiors with scenes that are meticulously painted, sensuously composed, and historically fascinating. Portraits, landscapes, interiors and genre scenes are known for their tranquillity, but they also resonate with a deeply mysterious tension which still intrigues and attracts audiences today. In this monograph, Wayne Franits examines the work of Vermeer within the framework of 17th century Europe, one of the most intellectually creative periods in the history of art. Every surviving work attributed to Vermeer is illustrated along with many details and influential paintings by other artists. We appreciate much more now the light and shade of the young lady in The Guitar Player and see in close up details such as the Art of Painting with the artist with his back to us at his easel and the model seated to the left, and of course Girl With A Pearl Earring opposite an equally enigmatic and almost photographic in its realism Study of a Young Woman painted in the same year. Young Woman with a Wine Glass wearing her orange silken dress looking straight at the viewer and ignoring the man close up to her face trying to get her attention, and a second man looking rather bored in the corner, his elbow on the table with food, takes us directly into a Dutch parlour. Discover all the hidden meanings. With useful list of key dates and context of events. 348pp, approximately 100 colour images, many full page, 16.2 x 22cm.