Eye On Art: Johannes Vermeer

Welcome to our very first Eye On Art feature column. My plan is to share beautiful paintings from some of the classical painters who I esteem not only aesthetically but also for the ideas imbued in their work. It’s a bit ironic that I’m starting this series with Vermeer, since I grew to love his work only quite recently.

The Procuress, 1656, Oil on canvas, 143 x 130 cm. (56 1/8 x 51 1/8 in.)

When I began studying in the atelier I was initially drawn to the work of William Bouguereau and Jean Dominique Ingres so to fall in love with Vermeer’s work was quite a surprise for me! Johannes Vermeer, was a  17th century Dutch painter who painted interior scenes, mostly domestic in vibrant colours employing masterful technique in his use of light and shadow. He extensively used lapis lazuli (ultramarine blue) and other vibrant primaries to bring lively expressions of colour to his paintings. As you can see in The Procuress above, he also had a keen knack for bringing the emotive quality of his subjects to focus in his paintings.

Girl With The Pearl Earring, c. 1665-1667, Oil on canvas, 46.5 x 40 cm. (18 1/4 x 15 1/4 in.)

Although not extensively famous in his day, this painting by Vermeer rose to popularity in recent years because of the movie of the same name, which I found interesting by the way. Again, you can see Vermeer’s use of colour and emotive expression in his subject, which he became quite noted for.

The Art Of Painting, c. 1662 - 1668, Oil on canvas, 120 X 100 cm. (47 1/4 x 39 3/8 in.)

The Art Of Painting is alive with lush geometric details and I'm taken in by the expressions of his subject. If you're like me, your probably wondering what she's reading and if it's a good book! Vermeer’s trademark use of colour and exhilarating brush work quicken the eye to become absorbed in the scene. Rich with symbolism, this painting is also on the cover of Discovering The Great Masters, a truly informative volume which helps readers to decode the visual intricacies of classical paintings from days gone by.

Woman Holding A Balance, c. 1622-1665, Oil on canvas, 42.5 x 38 cm. (16 3/4 x 15 in.)

 Vermeer, like many artist's of his age often painted what they saw - not only in technique but subject matter. Quite a few of his paintings have female subjects who appear lovingly and serenely absorbed in the simplest of tasks, whether it be pouring milk or holding things in a balance. They're almost always draped in lush fabrics of substance and rich colour. I think the fur trim adds quite a beautiful touch in this painting.

Girl Interrupted In Her Music, c. 1658-1661, Oil on canvas, 39.3 x 44.4 cm. (15 1/2 x 17 1/2 in.)

Besides their serene femininity, many of Vermeer's female subjects are painted in the act of musicality. Some playing the lute or flute and another involved in music lessons. This theme is one more reason why I enjoy looking at his work. I can completely relate to the Girl Interrupted In Her Music, I think she's saying, "now is definitely not a good time. I'm trying to remember count, notes and phrases. Can you kindly paint somewhere else sir." I suppose Vermeer, didn't heed this because the completed painting is both charming and pleasing and again his use of colour is beautiful in clarity and weight.

And as for interruptions . . . well, I suppose in the end there is a lovely painting for us to see and the girl's expression is caressed with a hint of bemusement. What can we say for artists and their art!