Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum
February 10 – June 4, 2023, The Rijksmuseum has promised the largest Johannes Vermeer exhibition, entitled Vermeer. The magnitude of this exhibition is envisioned in the research projects leading up to the February 2023 opening. In the weeks ahead, ChasingART will travel virtually to The Rijksmuseum to find the stories behinds the paintings.
A RESEARCH PROJECT, PART III
From the series Vermeer
“Scientists have been studying The Milkmaid for centuries, but what mysteries does it still hold? Our researchers have been working with the Mauritshuis in The Hague and the University of Antwerp, studying all the Vermeer paintings in the Netherlands. In this video you can see just some of the results!” The Rijksmuseum
ChasingART 
I like the video, a lot.
Still, I wonder, do we need to know all we are learning?
In the end it is what it is, and that is what Vermeer meant to say.
Anyway, first time I ever saw this painting I thought, she looks so healthy!
How many looked this healthy in the 17th century?
Therein lies a time’s beauty.
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Resa – a VERY good point. Do we need to know all we are learning? You have given me something to think about in the coming week. Humanity is curious, which is what drives us to see the back story, and attempt new technologies, take risks, experience new adventures. BUT, is there an efficient curve to the learning process? I love our conversations!!!
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Yes, an efficient learning curve is important. Learning is important.
I could spend the rest of my life learning to draw. Still, I want to draw, with whatever I’ve learned to this point. There definitely needs to be a balance.
Mystery is often intriguing. Of course some mysteries require solutions, but some mystery is often romantic, charming.
Adore our conversations, too!
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We must have mystery – you are so right, Resa! I imagine what is around the next corner, and when I reach that corner, I look for another corner that offers more mystery. I never want to run out of corners.
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Me too! Drawing last night, I decided I was in the mood to stretch my learning curve, and I love what came out of it.
Working on a 1940’s movie stars glamour post.
RB will channel Katherine Hepburn… she made slacks for women glamorous, and did wear palazzo pants!
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Resa!! How did you know that Katherine Hepburn is a favourite of mine. She has the best ideas: 1) Never complain. Never explain” 2) “You can’t change the music of your soul.” 3)”I never lose sight of the fact that just being is fun.”
Anyone who wears palazzo pants has a brilliant sense of style!!
Looking forward to your post!
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Me too! Wait until you see the new villain!
I’ve got 5 out of 9 drawings done so far. hugs
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PS. I have copied her quotes from you, in case I want to use them in the post!
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Many thanks!🤗🤗🤗
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It would be good to see first hand! !
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Indeed it would!!!
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Thank you for this interesting podcast! I read it several times and studied the painting, so much to see and learn. I enjoyed looking at all the details in the painting, one can almost imagine being there (maybe to help!!)
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I would love to beam over to the Rijksmuseum to see this exhibition. What I appreciate is that the Rijksmuseum is creating excellent posts so that we can follow along with the project. These short videos illustrate the depth of knowledge that can be gained when we use technology to find the secrets held under the brushstrokes.
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So few paintings, and such big impact.
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Very well said, Cindy. I sensed that each brush stroke was added with deliberation and love of what he was doing.
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Thank you for sharing another fascinating video about the research into Vermeer’s paintings. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
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Many thanks for joining me in exploring Vermeer’s paintings, Liz. I know very little of him and have only read brief bios. It seems that we must understand his life through his paintings. I still hold my breath when they handle the actual paintings, hoping that nothing goes awry. LOL!!
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You’re welcome, Rebecca. After watching the first video, I now have faith that the researchers won’t drop the paintings or spill coffee on them. I just love how they’re able to see the various layers of paint beneath the painting’s surface to reveal images the painter changed his mind about and painted over.
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This Vermeer painting is absolutely amazing, Rebecca, and it’s always nice to see working people rather than “the aristocracy” pictured in great art.
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I agree wholeheartedly, Dave! Art has given us insight into the lifestyle of the wealthy of that time. You have just given me something to research. Will be in touch.
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