Jan Vermeer (1632-1675)
Jan Vermeer (1632-1675) painted portraits and domestic scenes with great precision. Although the Dutch painter attracted little attention in his lifetime, he is now regarded as an artistic genius by many. He left few surviving works, only 35, but what remains are engaging paintings which excellently depict common lives in the 17th century. His paintings are fully complete images which are distinguished by a sense of geometrical order. They are often small in size, but still manage to capture a rare enigmatic intensity and the essence of their subject's personality. Their emotional effects are heightened by a rich use of light and colour.It is important and interesting to view Vermeer's works in the geographical and cultural context in which they were created. He was a man who was born, married and buried within a short distance in the quiet town of Delft, Holland, and the area was a heavy influence on the atmosphere of his paintings and his choice of subject, particularly his city views, suc
The skin is presented very convincingly on the milkmaid's arm, where wrinkles can be seen. Although influenced by the realism and attention-to-detail of Jan Van Eyck, he experimented in the different Dutch styles of the period - baroque in the vein of Rembrandt, and more generally, naturalism, the characteristic Dutch style of the time. ii) CompositionThe milkmaid appears in the very centre of the canvas. His oil portraits explored the influence of natural light and shadow on the face. The most well-known of Vermeer's portraits is the striking 'The Girl With a Pearl Earring'. He is now deservedly appreciated, despite having not sold any of few works. v) TextureThe different textures are well-represented by Vermeer. His innovative treatment of light on subject also influenced early French impressionism, specifically Eduoard Manet and Edgar Degas. vi) LightingThe lighting draws attention to the milkmaid's hat, and to the jug from which she is pouring. He subtly awarded the viewer an insight into simple sunlit interiors, which typicallu revolved around secluded women. It adds a serenity and richness to an otherwise seemingly dull and dirty place. iii) AtmosphereThis is a peaceful calm painting.
Common topics in this essay:
Degas Milkmaid,
Van Eyck,
Jan Vermeer,
Pearl Earring',
Delft Holland,
domestic scenes,
vermeer's popular,
light shadow,
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