Tags
Dutch Golden Age, Encyclopædia Britannica, Genre works, Girl with a Pearl Earring, Glass of Wine, Johannes Vermeer, michelinewalker.com, Open Window, Paint, Rembrandt, Vermeer
— Woman with a Water Jug, 1660-62
However, there is one thing I noticed about Vermeer that seems particularly interesting. The background of his interiors borrows from the main color in the garment people are wearing. This process creates a degree of continuity to his paintings. However, here, the white hat and cape are major factors in the manner Vermeer shapes the canvas and gives the whole painting the pale or bright area it requires.
— A Lady Drinking and a Gentleman, c. 1658
In this painting the red of the dress colors some of the floor tiles. Yet, the white wall is suddenly blue. The way Vermeer allows the light to touch here and there brightens up the painting considerably.
— Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window (detail), 1657
This painting is nearly monochromatic, but that is because it is a detail. The detail looks like a gold and black painting. The darkened wall makes the girl’s face stand out. This is a common technique, but would that more of us could do this so well.
© Micheline Walker 13 December 2012 WordPress composer: Georg PhillippTelemann (1681-1767) piece: Cantata “Seele, lerne dich erkennen” for soprano, recorder, and basso continuo TWV1:1258 performers: Ensemble Capricesoprano: Monika Mauch
director: Matthias Maute
Related articles
- A Brief Introduction to the Dutch Golden Age in Art (michelinewalker.com)
- “Genre” Painting : Johannes Vermeer (michelinewalker.com)
Micheline's Blog 
Oh, I guess I should forget inviting you for our annual soccer game, Bloggers Against Hunger (or Something), eh? Well, keep it up and hopefully you’ll soon be kicking it again. Best
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This time, I would not do too well playing. However, once this foot has healed, just watch me…
Thank you for writing a note. It’s so kind of you.
A big hug,
Micheline
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You’re welcome. A sad day in America, as you probably know by now.
Wesley
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A terrible day in America. After I wrote to you I turned on the television to watch the news. I could not believe what I saw and heard. I had spent the afternoon at the hospital. The poor families! My best Wesley, Micheline
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Hope you are soon on the mend. Those are fascinating observations.
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Thank you for writing to me. I should be fine by Christmas. I’ve grown to see the details in Vermeer. He was an extremely talented artist. I wish you well in every way. Micheline
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Sending up a prayer for you . . .
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Thank you very much. That is very touching.
Love,
Micheline
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Micheline darling, I’m so sorry for your health problems! I hope to return to good health as soon as possible.
I had these days of poor health condition, but God helped me and I fully recovered. And I hope you too!
Be blessed, my dear Micheline, with good health!
Have a wonderful day! Big hugs always with love, Stefania!:)
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I have to take a lot of medication, but I will recover. It’s a temporary setback. I hope you are well. I am not spending very much time at the computer, but I should soon be active again.
Big hugs to you.
Love,
Micheline
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Micheline, my dear, I know it’s a little hard to stay away from the computer.
But most important is to return to a state of good health!
I I wish this for yours!
God bless you! Big hugs always with love, Stefania! 🙂
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It’s very hard to stay away from one’s computer when something terrible happens. One wants to do something. Yet one is powerless. It’s back to bed.
You are always so kind and toughtful.
Big hugs and love,
Micheline
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Oh! Poor you! Hope you’ll get better soon – for Wesley’s soccer game 🙂
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Well Louvain, If I don’t make it to this game, I’ll be there for the next one. I hope you’re well. I thank you for writing.
Bisous,
Micheline
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Micheline, I do hope your foot is feeling better soon! Beautiful post on one of my favourite artists.
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I am so sorry to read about your discomfort. I hope you feel better soon. I love Vermeer, and appreciate your thoughts on him and his work.
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I am starting to feel better. Vermeer was an exceptional artist. He did not produce a large number of paintings, but the ones he did produce are all masterpieces.
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