Vermeer by Daniel Arasse
Through a historical analysis of Vermeer's method of production and a close reading of his work, Daniel Arasse explores the originality of this artist in the context of 17th-century Dutch painting. Arguing that Vermeer was not a painter in the conventional, commercial sense, Arasse suggests that his confrontation with painting represented a very personal and ambitious effort to define a new pictorial practice within the classical tradition of his art. By examining Vermeer's approach to image-making, the author finds that his works demonstrate the concept of painting as a medium through which the viewer senses the presence of life. Not only does this concept of painting carry on the traditions of classical antiquity and the Renaissance, but it also relates to Catholic ideas about spiritual meditation and the power of images.
"Vermeer has always proved an elusive artist, yet he has also held a special fascination... [This book] makes considerable headway in outlining the reasons.... Arasse ... brings both a nicely calibrated visual sensitivity and a thoughtful analytical bent to the pictures themselves [and] lay[s] out what he considers to have been a painting program by Vermeer."---Larry Silver, American Historical Review
"The most important work to date on Vermeer's theory of painting and his oeuvre. Burnished by the excellent translation by Terry Grabar, this study presents a thoughtful assessment of Vermeer's personal interpretation of the nature of art."---Linda K. Varkonda, Sixteenth Century Journal
"This intense, impassioned book reflects the ways in which we continue to be enthralled by the magic of Vermeer's light and deft touch." * Virginia Quarterly Review *
"The most important work to date on Vermeer's theory of painting and his oeuvre. Burnished by the excellent translation by Terry Grabar, this study presents a thoughtful assessment of Vermeer's personal interpretation of the nature of art."---Linda K. Varkonda, Sixteenth Century Journal
"This intense, impassioned book reflects the ways in which we continue to be enthralled by the magic of Vermeer's light and deft touch." * Virginia Quarterly Review *
Daniel Arrase is Director of Studies of Art History and Theory at the Ecole des Haute Etudes in Paris. Among his works is The Guillotine and the Terror.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780691033624 |
| ISBN 10 | 0691033625 |
| Title | Vermeer |
| Author | Daniel Arasse |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | Princeton University Press |
| Year published | 1994-02-27 |
| Number of pages | 208 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |