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The Vermeer Interviews: Conversations with Seven Works of Art
In this innovative look at seven paintings by Jan Vermeer, author Bob Raczka takes on the role of interviewer and the people in the paintings become his willing subjects.
Library Binding, 32 pages
Published
March 1st 2009
by Millbrook Press
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What a pleasure, to have an excuse to really sit and savor the paintings of Vermeer. And Bob Raczka is such an excellent guide - he recruits the subjects of the paintings themselves to explain Vermeer's tricks and techniques, details and intentions. Since so little is known about the master himself, this slight distancing device allows the speculative conclusions that art historians have drawn about his methods to be voiced without a constant drone of qualifying phrases. "Scholars think," "it is...more
OK. So even if you weren't intrigued by the Girl with a Pearl Earring, you liked the painting, right? This is a book about how to look at seven of the Dutch painter Vermeer's paintings and see things that you never noticed, things you can look for again in his and other people's paintings. It's an imagined conversation between the author, Bob Raczka, and the subjects of Jan Vermeer, the venerated Delft painter who lived from 1675-1632. It's a voyeuristic thrill as you listen in to the lively ban...more
Another one to possibly come back to...in this book, the author imagines interviewing the subjects of seven famous Vermeer paintings. I only read the first interview, and liked that the "interviewee," a milkmaid, pointed out several details and artist's tricks that I hadn't noticed. The calculation that went into some of these old paintings, especially knowing that this was before cameras, is easy to forget and incredible to imagine.
I was disappointed that the book's format made it so that 2/3...more
I was disappointed that the book's format made it so that 2/3...more
This is a wonderful book. The idea of interviewing the subjects in the paintings is a wonderful way to learn more about the time period (social issues, status, culture, clothing etc.) as well as the artistry of the work itself.
I also like the idea of using this book in the classroom as a way to model interviewing as a skill. Interviewing a subject is a way to get to really know a 'person' and fabric of their life.
Suggested for elementary levels but I find the content so interesting that higher g...more
I also like the idea of using this book in the classroom as a way to model interviewing as a skill. Interviewing a subject is a way to get to really know a 'person' and fabric of their life.
Suggested for elementary levels but I find the content so interesting that higher g...more
Bob Raczka does a good job introducing the elements of art history to children. I would love to see this book be an interactive app on the iPad. The text even with the clever interview style is not going to capture the interest of children. However, an audio track of this script with an overlay of the paintings would captivate them.
Year Published: 2009
Award: Book Links 2009 Editors Choice "Lasting Connections"
Age Level: 10-adult
Anyone would enjoy this book to learn more about the paintings done by Jan Vermeer. It really helps people interepret some of his most notable paintings.
Award: Book Links 2009 Editors Choice "Lasting Connections"
Age Level: 10-adult
Anyone would enjoy this book to learn more about the paintings done by Jan Vermeer. It really helps people interepret some of his most notable paintings.
view 1 comment
"Interviews" with subjects of 7 different Vermeer paintings allow readers an "inside look" at what the artist may have been thinking as he worked. This is really a terrific book for getting kids to look at artwork in a new way. Art teachers should LOVE this one.
AWESOME. Very short and very intriguing. I loved how the characters felt very human yet mysterious. The interviews flowed very well. *A must read for anyone who even remotely likes art.*
RLL 595: Book Links 2009 "Lasting Connections" Title
The Arts
Gr. 2-5
The Arts
Gr. 2-5
Although a book written for children, I enjoyed and gained info about Vermeer and his work from this title. An interesting way to present info by pretending to interview the subjects of seven different paintings. As well as showing the seven paintings, the book is well illustrated with items from the 1700's. Interesting for all ages.
The Milkmaid
The Geographer (model is thought to be VanLeeuwenhoek)
The Artist in His Studio
Woman in Blue Reading a Letter
Young Woman with a Water Pitcher
Woman with a...more
The Milkmaid
The Geographer (model is thought to be VanLeeuwenhoek)
The Artist in His Studio
Woman in Blue Reading a Letter
Young Woman with a Water Pitcher
Woman with a...more
Book Links 2009 "Lasting Connections"
Reviewed professionally.
Love this book!
Very clever and I think it would be a good companion for students as they read CHASING VERMEER.
Aug 17, 2010
Renee
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
4th-7th
Shelves:
childrens-non-fiction,
ya-nonfiction
3.6
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Neeraj
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