Startling Life

The astonishing oeuvre of Johannes Vermeer

In his lifetime, the fame of Johannes Vermeer (1632 1675) barely extended beyond his native Delft and a small circle of patrons. After his death, his name was largely forgotten, with works outside of Holland even misattributed to other artists. It was not until the mid-19th century that Vermeer came to the attention of the international art world, which suddenly looked upon his narrative minutiae, meticulous textural detail, and majestic planes of light, and spotted a forgotten master.

Today, Vermeer s works have inspired a New York Times best seller and a film starring Scarlett Johansson and Colin Firth not to mention record visitor numbers at art institutions from Amsterdam to Washington, DC; and special crowd-control measures at the Mauritshuis, The Hague, where thousands flock to catch a glimpse of the enigmatic and enchanting Girl with a Pearl Earring, also known as the Dutch Mona Lisa.

This book brings together the complete catalog of Vermeer s work, presenting the calm yet compelling scenes so treasured in galleries across Europe and the United States into one monograph of utmost reproduction quality. With new photography of many works, Vermeer s restrained but richly evocative repertoire of domestic actions ranging from letter writing to music making to preparations in the kitchen unfolds in generous format. Numerous details emphasize the artist s remarkable ability not only to bear witness to the trends and trimmings of the Dutch Golden Age but also to encapsulate an entire story in just one transient gesture, expression, or look."