Vermeer. The Complete Works

I shall commence the review somewhat unconventionally by citing a quote from the book on Vermeer's paintings because it resonates so much with my own understanding of the artist's works:'There is so much mastery in each painting,in the women he depicts,so many stories suggested but not told'-Tracy Chevalier, 2014The book is a luxury edition with exceptional quality paper, magnificent illustrations, several with one, two or three page folds displaying the soft palette and in exquisite detail the supreme technical mastery of the artist; the thoroughly researched and meticulously written text render the book a most valuable reference to Vermeer's works.The 17th century was Holland's Golden Age. The incomparable artistic flowering that characterized the era, is presently, primarily attributed to the works of two great painters: Rembrandt (1606-1669) and Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675). They embody their era in exemplary fashion, their work uniting everything that we feel to be characteristic and outstanding in the Dutch and the period: a sense of reality, precise observation and a break with any sense of idealization. Yet the the difference in circumstances between the two artists could not be greater. I shall resist, however, the temptation of comparison and confine the argument to Vermeer's works.Vermeer's fame, even within his lifetime, barely extended his native Delft. After his death, his name was almost forgotten. It was not until 1860 that Vermeer was rediscovered: but within a few decades he was enjoying quite spectacular post humus renown enduring to the present day.Vermeer painted almost exclusively domestic life. His calm scenes, usually confined to few figures, are invariably placed in a room setting. The range of the action is similarly limited: we encounter young women playing musical instruments, ladies receiving or writing letters, and couples either playing music or conversing over a glass of wine. In spite of, or precisely because of, such thematic limitations, Vermeer is regarded as the most important witness to the life of the wealthy bourgeoisie during the Dutch Golden Age. With such emblematic pictures as the 'Milkmaid' or 'Girl with Pearl Earring', Vermeer was able to create an image of the Dutch nation, in which the Dutch recognized themselves and in which the world, recognized them. Like almost no other work of art, Vermeer's 'Milkmaid' may be said to epitomize the Dutch character.The perfect rendering from the daily life of the Dutch bourgeoisie is presently being accepted as conveying hidden meanings within Vermeer's paintings while the use of an optical apparatus, such as a camera obscura, as an aid to composition is hotly debated.

Glorious. But... £99.99? Considering the other XL "Complete works..." releases had often 500-700 pages and the price was the same? I mean come on Taschen... Of course during the time from preorder to actual release Amazon offered significant price drops. Not this time though. Which was an unpleasant surprise. Because no matter how great it is it isnt worth £99.99. And I suspect the price drop will come sooner or later. Pity though that time they made people who perodered feel like a fools.

I bought this beautiful book as a present for my wife who is very pleased with it. The Vermeer paintings are beautifully presented and the book is a pleasure to read.

We are in the digital age. This book is a treasure from the previous era. Wonderful.

Bought this for my husband's birthday. He is highly delighted as he is a great Vermeer fan!

Wonderful book in a wonderful series. The nearest you get to seeing the real thing.

Ordered from France - Delivered very quickly to my English friend - Magnificient book

Good book and delivered in good condition