Vermeer's "The Lacemaker"

  In 1669 Dutch master artist, Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) began this beautiful painting titled, The Lacemaker.  It is an oil on canvas and the smallest painting Vermeer is known to have made, measuring only 9.6" x 8.3".  It is now in the possession of the Louvre Museum, in Paris. 
  According to experts, the painting was completed in 1670, and they are sure Vermeer was a very slow, meticulous artist, often using a camera obscure to create his desired visual effects. 
    Today, Vermeer is universally regarded as one of the greatest artists in 17th century Holland easily equal to Rembrandt and Hals.   And this lovely images proves why.
   Looking at the composition, we see the object of our attention in the exact middle and all lines, moving up or down, are drawn to her hands and her work.  The basic color harmony is blue and yellow, however not exclusively.  My favorite part of this work is the scarlet red thread.  At close examination it appears almost fluid,  like he allowed the paint to run, just a bit, creating an almost abstract pattern.     In many of Vermeer's paintings there is a window to the left, and the figure to the right.  Although we cannot see anything beyond this woman and her sewing, it is obvious the light source is on the right.  But it is a typical Vermeer because of the sounds.   Hear any?   Listen.  This, as is usual Vermeer,  is a very quiet, warm painting only interrupted by a soft noise coming from the movement of her hands and needles. 
Make Art a part of your life,  it's a beautiful thing to do. 

Comments

  1. charguthOctober 17, 2019 at 6:25 PM

    I am immediately drawn to her beautiful hands. I'm sure they are as skillful at sewing as Vermeer was at painting them. Looking at her clothing and coiffure, I would guess she is a perfectionist. His lighting is almost like a spotlight. I like the textured background. It helps to highlight the figure. Her intense concentration would suggest she is an exceptional lace maker. It's hard to imagine painting so much detail on such a small canvas. Like it a lot.

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