About Vermeers work
The oeuvre left behind by Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) , is probably one of the smallest in art history. Rembrandt left behind hundreds of paintings and almost 2000 drawings. The number of works from Vincent van Gogh are almost as large too.
Vermeer left only 34 paintings and not a single drawing. Till today his work inspires artists, scientists and millions of art lovers. His View on Delft is counted as one of the most beautiful and most impressive city views of the 17th century. The absolute top in showing the so called "dutch light".
His Girl with the Pearl Earring has also been called the "Mona Lisa of the North". It was the inspiration for the novel by Tracy Chevallier that has been filmed recently with Scarlett Johansson showing an amazing resemblance to Vermeers famous painting.
Vermeers little street is also fascinating in its seemingly simple display. But above all, Vermeer was the painter of interiors, with intimate and serene settings where the painted persons are busy with their daily activities. The Milkmaid, The Loveletter, The Music Lesson are each recognized as top dutch paintings. Rooms filled with only several persons, light, harmony, stillness and concentration. Ech time the light comes from the left, fills the whole room and takes the observer inside a world that seems as real as untouchable. Almost photograpic moments that, the longer you look at them, the more details and quality are revealed.
Visual impressions
The following link shows images of all paintings from Vermeer. Or have a look at this beautiful filmpresentation for an impression of Vermeers work.