Probably the best single-author introduction available on this artist. Liedtke has a profound knowledge not only of Vermeer but of the 17th-century Dutch cultural milieu, allowing him to place the painter's life and work in a rich historical (as well as art-historical) context. Likewise, he is admirably fair and judicious in dealing with the contributions of other scholars. The high-quality reproductions are an added benefit to the book, but they do, unfortunately, make it a rather high-priced v More...

Walter Liedtke is challenging Arthur Wheelock for supremacy in knowledge of Vermeers among the world's experts! Wheelock will always be a favorite to me because he did so much to introduce me to this great painter. But Liedtke has access of more and more years of technology, resources, and scholarship.

Vermeer is my favorite!!