Baroque Era

History


The Art of Painting by the Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer was created in 1666-69. There is no information on where this piece was made, but after his death, Vermeer's wife tried to keep the piece, but it eventually was bought by Adolf Hitler and is now held in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. This piece of art is very special because it's about transformation. The painter turns the subject into an allegorical figure, representing the model and Clio, the Goddess known as the muse of history. There is also a rare view of the work that goes into making a painting. Normally, we see finished art products, but here a point is made to show the intimacy behind the actual creation of the piece.

Personal Opinion

Although I would not buy this piece, I really like it. The details from the light bring a lot of beauty to the painting. The model also stands out very well because of the neutral colors around her. I also noticed how the artist is dressed up even though there is no need for him to be. The details on the curtain and map on the wall are also incredible. These small things just bring a lot of raw beauty to this piece. 

Connection

The Dutch Golden Age was a time that science, art, military, and commerce flourished in Holland, becoming one of the best economies in the world. The Art of Painting was created during this time, as well as artwork featuring people and beautiful scenery. This rise in a multitude of areas may have been the influence for having the model represent Clio to create a reminder to the world that the Dutch are glorious.

Sources

Dr. Steven Zucker and Dr. Beth Harris, "Johannes Vermeer, The Art of Painting," in Smarthistory, December 11, 2015, accessed June 25, 2023, https://smarthistory.org/johannes-vermeer-the-art-of-painting/.

Grisham, Kathleen. Dutch Baroque, instruct.westvalley.edu/grisham/1b_dutbar.html.

“The Art of Painting.” Kunsthistorisches Museum, www.khm.at/en/object/2574/.

Comments

  1. Xavier Jean-LouisJune 28, 2023 at 4:01 PM

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  2. Xavier Jean-LouisJune 28, 2023 at 4:03 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  3. Xavier Jean-LouisJune 28, 2023 at 4:03 PM

    Thank you for sharing this piece. I love how the depth is incorporated into this piece. It really adds some realism to it. I love the contrast of colors. Also, I think this piece has great details such as the texture in the clothes and curtains
    and I would definitely own a copy and display it.

    ReplyDelete
  4. TempleJune 29, 2023 at 1:25 PM

    A painting of the painter painting a model. Like looking into a mirror with a mirror behind you.

    It's a fine work, very real, with shadows being cast appropriately from their light source. The lines don't draw me to anything, but I do see how the demure colors around the model contrast with her attire making her standout as the model. But her standing out in the middle surrounded by blandness also pushes me out to the edges. I can't help but look at the ornate chair in the foreground, it doesn't look very comfortable. The curtain is quite a lovely obstruction. What the hell is up with the painters pants and socks?

    I wouldn't own this, and would only accept it as a gift to avoid being rude. It's beautiful, it's very well done, I can see why someone would admire it, but it's not my thing.

    ReplyDelete

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