Johannes Vermeer by Arthur K. Wheelock Jr.

Purchased by an unknown buyer, possibly from the collector Prince Paul Demidoff (1798-1840), through the art dealers Charles Pillet, Haro, and Mannheim, Paris for 5100 francs on 1 April 1869, lot 14. Christie, Manson, and Woods on 2 April 1860, lot 49. Foster and Son, London on 26 February 1835, lot 127.Offered for sale at Messrs. Offered for sale from the painter and dealer Charles Elie, Paris on 24 April 1810, lot 101.Offered for sale at Messrs, E. Paillet, Paris for 131 francs on 8 January 1810, lot 62. Purchased by the dealer Laneuville, probably from Antoine de Sauzay, the director at Mont-Blanc (1745-1821) at Chez A. Delaroche, Paris for 350 francs on 10 September 1804, lot 62. Delfos, probably for Diederik van Leyden, Lord of Vlaardingen (1744-1810) from the sale of the Johannes Lodewyk Strantwyk collection at Kabinet Konstige Schilderyen, Amsterdam for 315 florins on, lot 150.Purchased by the dealer A. I'll end with a high recommendation to read this book if you are interested in art, art history, or simply delight in stunning beauty at the hands of a master.Purchased by A. In further study, I learned that while originally the fur was thought to be ermine, in reality, most likely it is white squirrel or white cat. Many paintings contain musical instruments:Īnd, something I found fascinating was the fact that in four of the 35 paintings the same yellow satin jacket trimmed in white fur was worn. Of the 35 known works, I counted 14 wherein radiant light shone through a window. Time stands still on the canvas and we, as observers, feel as though we stepped into a private space wherein the figures freeze mid air with an eloquent motion and if we listen carefully, we can hear the dust quietly settle. Vermeer's paintings are infused with a radiance of light. This work is priceless and may be forever gone. There are only 35 known paintings, one of which (The Concert) was stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in March 2007.

This fascinating book is a joy to behold and I spent hours observing the subtle nuances. This beautiful coffee table book highlights each of Vermeer's paintings, with an in depth study not only of the work, but in addition, the small tidbits known of Vermeer at the time of his masterpiece.

It wasn't until the late 19th century that his works were enthusiastically embraced and acclaimed for the exquisite beauty they represent. While during his lifetime Vermeer made a modest living with his artistry, at the time of his death, he was heavily in debt and sadly under appreciated.

Johannes Vermeer by Arthur K. Wheelock Jr.