The Cambridge Companion to Vermeer

Johannes Vermeer (1632–75) has long been heralded as one of the greatest Dutch painters of the Golden Age. As the spectacular success of recent exhibitions on this artist confirms, Vermeer’s work continues to fascinate specialists and laypersons alike. The Cambridge Companion to Vermeer offers a systematic overview of the artist’s life and work that will be useful to specialists, students, and the general public. Its eleven essays include studies of the artist’s development and approach to painting, women as a subject in Vermeer’s work, the role of Catholicism in Vermeer’s life and art, and the artist’s reputation during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, among other topics. Collectively, these essays provide a balanced and enlightening examination of many different aspects of Vermeer’s art.

• Provides a balanced and enlightening overview of Vermeer’s art from a variety of perspectives • Includes a fold-out historical map with important sites in Vermeer’s day • Includes the first-ever survey of Vermeer’s reputation throughout the entire twentieth century

Introduction Wayne Franits; 1. Johannes Vermeer: an overview of his life and stylistic development Wayne Franits; 2. Vermeer teaching himself Walter Liedtke; 3. Vermeer’s craft and artistry Arthur K. Wheelock, Jr.; 4. Perspectives on women in the art of Vermeer Lisa Vergara; 5. The landscape on the wall in Vermeer Elise Goodman; 6. Vermeer on the question of love H. Rodney Nevitt, Jr.; 7. Religion in the art and life of Vermeer Valerie Hedquist; 8. Vermeer and the representation of science Klaas van Berkel; 9. Seven Vermeers: collection, reception, response Christiane Hertel; 10. The appreciation of Vermeer in twentieth-century America Arthur K. Wheelock, Jr. and Marguerite Glass.

‘Fact-packed and fascinating.’ Sunday Times

‘Written in an expert and entertaining manner… if you love reading about art this is one for your bookshelf.’ Yorkshire Gazette and Herald

‘A useful collection.’ Art Newspaper