Vermeer

The pages of this remarkable little book on Vermeer are like the paintings they describe: although they are relatively few in number, the content is extraordinary. It's not just the quality of the reproductions that are superb (something I have come to expect from everything Taschen); the writing is informative and surprisingly engaging. While before reading this book I was aware that Vermeer's paintings could be divided into categories linked by common attributes, I didn't have a clue as to the underlying meanings. The author explains everything with precision while keeping the language simple. The writing style is objective and factual, with relevant historical reference. The insight I was able to gain from this book was simply astonishing and made it difficult for me to stop turning pages. I was not previously aware of Vermeer's use of the camera obscura and the presentation of how he rendered out-of-focus images has given my appreciation of his work a whole new dimension. The illustrations also bring common elements from several paintings together on the same page for comparison. This is definitely a contender for the best $10 ever spent!

This book is amazing. The artwork is very clear and well documented. The facts in this book also agree with other sources. An engaging read and was an amazing help in writing a paper.

i am enjoying the book, however, I expected a bigger size book, because the photografs look better. Thank you four your attention.

This little book is amazing! The author discusses each of Vermeer's known 35 paintings, bringing intelligence and insight to the artist and his works. Though not much is known about Vermeer's life, we learn a fair amount about his techniques and the influences from which he drew. I found it extremely impressive and useful that when the author mentioned another artist or a painting that Vermeer knew, these were also pictured, so that I really learned a great deal about this fascinating artist's time as well. All of Vermeer's paintings are shown, as are the works of other artists, and these are reproduced in color in combination with intelligent, informative notes. Extremely well done, with beautiful color reproductions of each painting, this volume would be a bargain at double the price!

Norbert Schneider has written many excellent books on art and among them is this small volume in which he addresses ALL of the paintings of Vermeer. Though the book is short (96 pages) it mirrors the output of the artist - he only painted thirty five works! Schneider's commentary is intelligent, brief, and in obvious adoration of the Dutch School of painting and Vermeer in particular. Not only is each painting reproduced with surprising accuracy of color and clarity, but Schneider provides many details of each work, opening the Pandora's box of each of these little masterpieces with microscopic precision. As is gratefully the tradition at Taschen Books, the price is so affordable that in addition to adding to your own library, this very special art book can be an elegant and dignified gift for your friends!