An Insight Into Johannes Vermeer

There is a certain mystical feeling associated with Vermeer's painting. Vermeer, unlike Van Gogh or Rembrandt, does not insert himself into his paintings. The character of Vermeer's oeuvre is a rather complex one. In addition, Vermeer was not a well publicized figure in his time, there were not much information recorded about Vermeer, adding to the depth of the mysterious painter. However, there are some paintings that somewhat reveals the character of the painter that is conserved and subdued.

Calm, beautiful, delicate, illusionary, seductive, enigmatic are just some of the words to describe the portrayal of Vermeer's paintings. Whether they are paintings of daily life routines, paintings that contain 'explicit allegorical connotations' or paintings with mythological and theological elements, Vermeer's extraordinary craftsmanship made us wonder and gasp in admiration.

Vermeer's taking away of his paintings' narrative should be seen as a gift for readers. He leaves space for imagination and interpretation, and makes people contemplate and think. The natural process of pausing, staring, thinking and personifying the person in the painting is made possible by the stillness of Vermeer's paintings. The best thing of all, that moment which may seem transient is eternalized.

Below are some of Vermeer's oeuvre which I have looked through. It is a good and pleasant experience just looking at the paintings and engaging in thoughtful moments.


Vermeer, Christ in the House of Mary and Martha, 1654


Vermeer, The Procuress, 1656


Vermeer, Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window, 1657


Vermeer, Officer with a Laughing Girl, 1657


Vermeer, A Woman Asleep at Table, 1657


Vermeer, The Milkmaid, 1658


Vermeer, Lady Drinking with a Gentleman, 1658


Vermeer, View of Delft, 1659


Vermeer, Woman with a Pearl Necklace, 1662


Vermeer, Woman Holding a Balance, 1664


Vermeer, Head of a Young Girl, 1665


Vermeer, The Geographer, 1668


Vermeer, The Astronomer, 1668


Vermeer, Lady Writing a Letter with Her Maid, 1670


Vermeer, Lady Standing at Virginal, 1670

References:
1. Arthur K. Wheelock Jr., Vermeer and the Art of Painting, Yale University Press, 1995.
2. Edward A. Snow, A Study of Vermeer, University of California Press, 1979.