Vermeer. The Complete Works
Published on 15. February 2017
Book
Hardback
258 pages
978-3-8365-6658-2 (ISBN)
Description
This book brings together the complete catalogue of Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675), presenting the calm yet compelling scenes so treasured in galleries across Europe and the United States into one monograph of utmost reproduction quality. With new photography of many works, Vermeer's restrained but richly evocative repertoire of domestic actions-ranging from letter writing to music making to preparations in the kitchen-unfolds in generous format. Numerous details emphasize the artist's remarkable ability not only to bear witness to the trends and trimmings of the Dutch Golden Age but also to encapsulate an entire story in just one transient gesture, expression, or look.
In his lifetime, Vermeer's fame barely extended beyond his native Delft and a small circle of patrons. After his death, his name was largely forgotten, with works outside of Holland even misattributed to other artists. It was not until the mid-19th century that Vermeer came to the attention of the international art world, which suddenly looked upon his narrative minutiae, meticulous textural detail, and majestic planes of light, and spotted a forgotten master.
Today, Vermeer's works have inspired a New York Times best seller and a film starring Scarlett Johansson and Colin Firth not to mention record visitor numbers at art institutions from Amsterdam to Washington, DC; and special crowd-control measures at the Mauritshuis, The Hague, where thousands flock to catch a glimpse of the enigmatic and enchanting Girl with a Pearl Earring, also known as the "Dutch Mona Lisa."
In his lifetime, Vermeer's fame barely extended beyond his native Delft and a small circle of patrons. After his death, his name was largely forgotten, with works outside of Holland even misattributed to other artists. It was not until the mid-19th century that Vermeer came to the attention of the international art world, which suddenly looked upon his narrative minutiae, meticulous textural detail, and majestic planes of light, and spotted a forgotten master.
Today, Vermeer's works have inspired a New York Times best seller and a film starring Scarlett Johansson and Colin Firth not to mention record visitor numbers at art institutions from Amsterdam to Washington, DC; and special crowd-control measures at the Mauritshuis, The Hague, where thousands flock to catch a glimpse of the enigmatic and enchanting Girl with a Pearl Earring, also known as the "Dutch Mona Lisa."
Reviews / Votes
"A beautiful volume!" * The Financial Times *More details
Person
After completing his studies of art history and archaeology at the University of Vienna, Karl Schuetz joined the staff of the Gemaeldegalerie of the city's Kunsthistorisches Museum, serving from 1972 as a curator and from 1990 to 2011 as its director. His particular scholarly interests include Netherlandish and Flemish painting, early-16th-century German painting, courtly portraiture, and the history of the Gemaeldegalerie collection.