Johannes Vermeer

Johannes Vermeer - the genius of the language of light and form

Vermeer's paintings are known for their naturalistic depiction of everyday scenes. This makes them popular decorative objects for functional rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms. However, the paintings by the Delft-born artist also come into their own in living rooms and bedrooms, as Vermeer captured many emotions in seemingly insignificant actions. His works are considered milestones in art history and are available to you at wall-art.de in the form of posters, canvas prints or glass pictures. Discover the oeuvre of a long underestimated genius and choose the realisation that suits the style of your living or working space.

Skilfully stage Johannes Vermeer

Even a first glance at our selection of Vermeer paintings reveals the special nature of his work. Most of them show people in their very private surroundings. They are reading, painting or doing paperwork or kitchen work. Often a gathered curtain or a half-opened door can be seen in the foreground - as if the painter had furtively peered into someone else's living room. This makes Vermeer's motifs appear particularly lifelike and invites you to experiment.

It is possible, for example, to deepen the view of his famous ‘Milkmaid’ by placing it in a frame with casement windows. It reinforces the impression that you are watching the depicted maid and makes this motif an excellent decorative object for kitchens and dining rooms - where you can also vary aluminium, glass or canvas pictures with a splash guard with a ‘milkmaid’ print.

The artist's equally well-known ‘School of Painting’ also gains depth through skilful placement. Hang a canvas picture in such a way that the viewer's gaze falls on it as if by chance. If it is large enough, it will look as if what is shown is taking place in your living room - especially if you add draped fabric to the painted curtain.

If you prefer a less playful look, you can opt for an artistic interpretation of famous Vermeer paintings. In addition to various shapes and materials, creative reworking in pixel art or in the form of a skilful photomontage is also available. This means that old masters such as Vermeer are also suitable for rooms with modern furnishings. In addition, the prints unfold various effects on different carrier materials, such as a motif on aluminium dibond.

Understanding Johannes Vermeer

Whether alienated or faithful versions show a snapshot or want to say more is often only known to the artist himself. In Vermeer's case, too, it is not always clear what the pictures are intended to express, so that many of his paintings have led to speculation. In particular, the portrait of an anonymous beauty in ‘The Girl with the Pearl Earring’ gave rise to rumours. It became known as ‘Meijse met de parel’, but Vermeer himself did not give it a title. Having long been regarded as a portrait of his eldest daughter, it is now considered to be a fantasy creation in which the person is less important than the clothing and other details of the painting.

This interpretation applies to many of Vermeer's works. He very often painted nameless or unknown people - because the scene and possible means of composition were more important to him than real depictions. He used techniques that were far ahead of his time. With a minimum of elements and precisely divided areas, he created pictures that explained even complex issues simply. Perspective, vanishing points and light always played an important role for Vermeer. Holes in his canvases indicate that he used the principle of the camera obscura.

Almost more striking than the play with visual axes, lighting and geometric shapes is the colouring of the works. Many of Vermeer's paintings show or combine colours that appear almost unnatural. His compatriot Vincent van Gogh also noticed this: he admitted to a colleague that Vermeer's paintings were quite colourful. At the same time, however, he admired his ability to harmoniously incorporate even garish or pale nuances into the overall concept.

Johannes Vermeer as a great unknown

All this makes Vermeer paintings sought-after works of art. However, little is known about his origins, education and private life. According to documents, he was admitted to the St Luke's Guild in his birthplace and hometown of Delft at the age of 21. This ritual required many years of artistic training, which could only be provided by a member of the guild.

There is no certainty as to who played this role in Vermeer's life. The speculations of international experts are based on a multitude of clues, but none of them could stand up to closer scrutiny. The theory that Vermeer was an indirect pupil of Rembrandt has persisted the longest. Today it is considered disproved and focusses instead on Pieter de Hooch. Although he is not said to have acted as a teacher, he had a great influence on Vermeer's choice of motifs.

Researchers are also puzzled by the artist's sources of income. Vermeer was able to provide a carefree life for his large family, but only painted one to three pictures a year. Most of them were commissioned by financially strong patrons and depicted typical bedroom motifs with mythical or biblical content. Vermeer later switched to city portraits such as the ‘View of Delft’, which is now one of his most famous art prints. However, these paintings were also reserved for a small circle, so that their creator was considered an insider tip among his contemporaries.

Johannes Vermeer for your home

This status did not change until the 19th century, when the French critic Théophile Thoré-Bürger published a book about Vermeer. He wanted artists to depict more contemporary and everyday subjects. The ‘Sphinx of Delft’ seemed to him to be the best model for this. The publication triggered a veritable hunt for Vermeer paintings, which were mainly found in the Netherlands at the time.

At the same time, an unrivalled forgery market emerged. As Vermeer had only signed and dated a few of his paintings, numerous fraudsters tried their hand at imitation. New works were constantly appearing that were attributed to the artist - but did not correspond to his style. Today, three paintings on wood and just over 30 canvases are recognised as originals. These include the motifs you will find in the wall-art.de shop.

Be inspired by our range of Vermeer works and personalise your selection with a matching frame or an unusual format. You can also choose between different support materials and colours - in addition to original prints, we also offer black and white posters, aluminium dibond with metallic effects or acrylic glass pictures.