“Vermeer’s Camera” by Philip Steadman

Vermeer’s Camera is a book by Philip Steadman, published by Oxford University Press in paperback in April 2002. It has got nine chapters and begins with an explanation of how the camera obscura works, (what would be the predecessor of the photographic camera).

Over 100 years of speculation and controversy surround claims that the great seventeenth-century Dutch artist, Johannes Vermeer, used the camera obscura to create some of the most famous images in Western art.

This intellectual detective story starts by exploring Vermeer’s possible knowledge of seventeenth-century optical science, and outlines the history of this early version of the photographic camera, which projected an accurate image for artists to trace. However, it is Steadman’s meticulous reconstruction of the artist’s studio, complete with a camera obscura, which provides exciting new evidence to support the view that Vermeer did indeed use the camera.

These findings do not challenge Vermeer’s genius but show how, like many artists, he experimented with new technology to develop his style and choice of subject matter. The combination of detailed research and a wide range of contemporary illustrations offers a fascinating glimpse into a time of great scientific and cultural innovation and achievement in Europe.

• Much more information in Vermeer’s Camera, Uncovering the truth behind the masterpieces.

Vermeer’s Astrology and Birth Chart

Given that my chosen painting is “The Astronomer” and some people mistakes Astronomy for Astrology, I have found a very curious page about the personality of Vermeer based on his astrology chart. Far from discussing the kind of reliability of this method, the personality of the Dutch painter is tried to guess by means of dominant planets, elements, modalities and polarities, signs and houses.

First, the page starts with this…

Map of the Heavens, Planets, Astrological Chart, Horoscope
Johannes VERMEER,
born October 31, 1632 at 12:00 PM (unknown) in Delft (Pays-Bas)
Sun in 8°35 Scorpio, Moon in 17°31 Gemini
Numerology: Birthpath 8

… follows with his biography in Wikipedia, and finishes with a conclusion which says the following:

“This text is just an extract from of Johannes Vermeer’s portrait. We hope it will give you the curiosity to deepen your knowledge about astrology and to visit and use the numerous free applications on www.astrotheme.fr“.

That is, a page that includes 33,340 horoscopes with pictures of all kind of celebrities, from Martin Luther King to Penélope Cruz. Amazing!

Besides this, there is another page which deals with the same issue named “Solving an astrological puzzle, the mystery of Vermeer’s Birth”, by Peter Morrell.

References:

• http://www.astrotheme.fr/en/portraits/aX6CXgaHbVeH.htm
• http://www.homeoint.org/morrell/astrology/index.htm

The Fine Art Company.com

THE DUTCH MASTERS

This page features works by more Dutch Masters, many of whom, like Meindert Hobbema, were painting in Amsterdam in the mid 1600′s. The Dutch painters were masters of the depiction of light on surfaces – particularly in interiors. Vermeer and De Hooch used this skill to the greatest effect with their incredibly lifelike depictions of Dutch home life.

VERMEER AND REMBRANDT

This page features the stunning paintings of Dutch masters Rembrandt and Jan Vermeer. Famed for his use of light, and rich colours Vermeer’s lifelike depictions of domestic interiors make him one of Holland’s greatest painters. Here you will find Vermeer’s “Girl with Turban”, the subject of the acclaimed film “Girl With a Pearl Earring” starring Scarlet Johanson. For your very own copy of “Girl With a Pearl Earring”, you’re in the right place.

• The Fine Art Company

“Girl with a Pearl Earring” in IMDB

PLOT SUMMARY

This film, adapted from a work of fiction by author Tracy Chevalier, tells a story about the events surrounding the creation of the painting “Girl With A Pearl Earring” by 17th century Dutch master Johannes Vermeer. Little is known about the girl in the painting, it is speculated that she was a maid who lived in the house of the painter along with his family and other servants, though there is no historical evidence . This masterful film attempts to recreate the mysterious girl’s life. Griet, played by Scarlett Johansson, is a maid in the house of painter Johannes Vermeer, played by British actor Colin Firth. Vermeer’s wealthy patron and sole means of support, Van Ruijven, commissions him to paint Griet with the intent that he will have her for himself before it is finished. She must somehow secretly pose for the crucial painting without the knowledge of Vermeer’s wife, avoid Van Ruijven’s grasp, and protect herself from the cruel gossip of the world of a 17th century servant.

Written by thexotherxchris

Some Awards: San Sebastián International Film Festival: 2003.

Nominated:

• Golden Seashell – Peter Webber.

Won:

• C.I.C.A.E. Award – Peter Webber.
• Best Cinematography – Eduardo Serra.

FUN STUFF

The film was originally slated to star Kate Hudson and Ralph Fiennes and be directed by ‘Mike Newell’ . Hudson pulled out during preproduction (allegedly because she refused to wear a wimple for the role), which resulted in funding being pulled, and by the time new funding was secured, Newell had to move on to another project. After a director search, ‘Peter Webber’ was tapped for the job and held auditions for a new female lead. He settled on Kirsten Dunst, who then dropped the project in wake of Spider-Man (2002)’s success. At this point, Fiennes had been waiting so long that he too had to move on to other scheduled projects, and so became unavailable. Scarlett Johansson and Colin Firth were then cast.

The movie was partially shot on the Venice set that had been built in Luxembourg for Secret Passage (2004). For this movie Venice was modified to become Delft.

Although Vermeer and the painting both are real historic figures, the screenplay is based on Tracy Chevalier’s novel and therefore largely fictional or hypothetical. Only 36 Vermeer paintings are known to exist today, and none of the models have ever been positively identified. A poster of the painting in her bedroom inspired Chevalier to write her own version of how it came to exist based on the framework of Vermeer’s known history. Chevalier sold the film rights and opted not to have any involvement in the film or screenplay, although after its release said she was pleased with the results.

A subplot with David Morrisey as a friend of Vermeer was dropped during editing of the film. None of his scenes feature on the DVD release.

The painting that Griet inspired Vermeer to paint while she is washing the window of his studio is called “Woman with a Water Jug”. It is currently at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NY.

1668: Vermeer’ Age, 36

VERMEER’S LIFE & ART:

Perhaps Vermeer signs and dates The Astronomer 1668. The dating of The Astronomer is considered to have been added later on by another hand. The only other dated painting by Vermeer is the early “The Procuress.” Some scholars believe that Delft citizen Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, who was by then internationally recognized for his studies in optics and scientific observations, posed for The Astronomer, although portraits of Leeuwenhoek bear little resemblance to the seated man in Vermeer’s picture.

SCIENCE & PHILOSOPHY:

Robert Hooke: “Discourse on Earthquakes”.

Newton invents the reflecting telescope, building the first telescope based on a mirror (reflector) instead of a lens (refractor).

First accurate description of red corpuscles by Anthony van Leeuwenhoek. Leeuwenhoek was born in the same year as Delft and is often associated to the artist for their interest in optics.

• From A Timeline of Vermeer’s Life – 1668-1675, Late Period.

My second ESP class at computers room

This is our second class with Joseba and we have been asked to write a brief presentation. Our first class with Claire was focused on “Girl with a Pearl Earring” but the subject also deals with other Vermeer’s paintings.

Last Tuesday we were watching a documentary of the BBC about some of his paintings. This helped the class to choose between one of them. Today, some people’s paintings were added to the pages of this blog. Finally, we hope to write and learn interesting things about this great Dutch painter’s work.