Lecture: Exploring the Physical and Psychological Realities in Vermeer’s Genre Paintings

Vermeer’s genre paintings depict men and women engaged in daily activities that seem familiar and related to our own lives. We greatly admire his ability to depict the physical reality of these scenes, whether through the shimmer of satin, the translucency of glass, or his mastery of light. Less noticed, however, is how successfully he conveyed the inner life of his figures. This talk by Arthur Wheelock will examine this important aspect of Vermeer’s artistic genius by examining the types of moments he portrayed, and the relationships of his figures to their milieu.

For tickets and information, see https://www.wallacecollection.org

Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675), A Lady Writing, ca. 1665
National Gallery of Art, Washington

[Text from codart.nl]