Vermeer

by Arthur K. Wheelock Jr.

Provides a comprehensive study of Vermeer's life and work, presents commentaries on his painting techniques, and examines each one of the Dutch artist's authenticated paintings.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

160 pages, Hardcover

First published November 30, 1981

About the author

Arthur K. Wheelock, Jr. is the curator of the Northern European Art Collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. and professor of art history at the University of Maryland. He has lectured widely and written extensively on Dutch and Flemish art.

Reviews

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book that in 1993 seriously started me on the pilgrimage of seeing as many Vermeers as possible in my lifetime. I believe I now have two left.

[5 pound poi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Precisely everything I want out of a book about art: lucid & concise background history, interesting & related "subject matter expert-esque" information, full page color reprints with accompanying critique, and focus on one painter, time period, theme or style (in other words: not a hodgepodge).

I was a bit 'meh' about some of Vermeer's work, but as aforementioned it is all excellently presented.
Works that I did find absorbing: The Procuress, Girl Reading A Letter At An Open Window, The Little Street, Officer And Laughing Girl, The Milkmaid, The Glass Of Wine, The Girl With The Wine Glass, and View Of Delft.

Afterthought: In many of the paintings that I was indifferent to I noticed that quite a few of the subjects of the said painting looked to be very autistic. I wonder if Vermeer had a penchant for representational autism?

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reproductions, well-chosen information.

[Joao Ortale · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fabulous repros and discussions.