Vermeer. the Complete Works. 45th Ed. - (40th Edition) by Karl Schütz (Hardcover)

About the Book

Discover one of the most admired artists in history: Johannes Vermeer. With crisp, detailed reproductions and insightful essays, this volume spans his entire repertoire, showing Vermeer's talent, his key place in the Dutch Golden Age, and his ability to tell a complete story in just one momentary gesture or expression.

Book Synopsis

Despite numbering at just 35, his works have prompted a New York Times best seller; a film starring Scarlett Johansson and Colin Firth; record visitor numbers at art institutions from Amsterdam to Washington, DC; and special crowd-control measures at the Mauritshuis, The Hague, where thousands flock to catch a glimpse of the enigmatic and enchanting Girl with a Pearl Earring, also known as the "Dutch Mona Lisa".

In his lifetime, however, the fame of Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) barely extended beyond his native Delft and a small circle of patrons. After his death, his name was largely forgotten, except by a few Dutch art collectors and dealers. Outside of Holland, his works were even misattributed to other artists. It was not until the mid-19th century that Vermeer came to the attention of the international art world, which suddenly looked upon his narrative minutiae, meticulous textural detail, and majestic planes of light, spotted a genius, and never looked back.

This 40th anniversary edition showcases the complete catalog of Vermeer's work, presenting the calm yet compelling scenes so treasured in galleries across Europe and the United States into one monograph of utmost reproduction quality. Crisp details and essays tracing Vermeer's career illuminate his remarkable ability not only to bear witness to the trends and trimmings of the Dutch Golden Age but also to encapsulate an entire story in just one transient gesture, expression, or look.

Review Quotes

"No one was ever so close to Vermeer's pictures as in this book, and certainly no one will ever get so close at an exhibition."-- "Die Welt"

"The quality of the reproductions is unparalleled. The colors, Vermeer's fantastic blue above all, shine forth in their pristine radiance. Spectacular."-- "Le Figaro"

"A beautiful volume!"-- "The Financial Times"