Vermeer: The Complete Works

Jan Vermeer is a 17th-century Dutch painter whose work was rediscovered in the 19th century, leading to a production of forged paintings. His oil paintings depict middle-class men and women with masterful photographic rendering and ultramarine blue pigment.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 03 January 2019
Publisher: Silvana

Jan Vermeer, a renowned master of seventeenth-century Dutch painting, has left an enigmatic presence despite his artistic achievements. While his works are widely recognized and attributed to him, his personal details and biographical information remain scarce. Born on October 31, 1632, in Delft, Netherlands, Vermeer's birth and early training remain largely unknown. He passed away in 1676, during a period of financial crisis in the country, leaving his wife and children with limited resources and numerous debts.

Vermeer's art, which had been forgotten for nearly two centuries, was rediscovered towards the end of the nineteenth century. This revival sparked a significant production of forged paintings, mistakenly regarded as authentic. This volume aims to shed light on the profile of this enigmatic and original artist, tracing his story through the few established sources available. It provides a comprehensive view of Vermeer's work, encompassing his oil paintings, which often depict middle-class men and women engaged in their daily activities.

Vermeer's oil paintings are renowned for their masterful photographic rendering and the brilliance and quality of the colors he used. Despite the prohibitive cost of lapis lazuli, a pigment he relied on for his ultramarine blue, Vermeer never abandoned its use. This pigment gave his paintings a unique tonality and purity that remain unmistakable even today.

Jan Vermeer's art continues to captivate audiences with its timeless beauty and profound artistic expression. His legacy as one of the great masters of seventeenth-century Dutch painting remains secure, even though his figure remains somewhat indistinct. Through the exploration of his life and work, this volume seeks to provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of this enigmatic artist's contributions to the world of art.

Weight: 962g
Dimension: 230 x 279 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788836624140