Explore the Rijksmuseum Vermeer Collection | 2023 Spring Exhibition & More

The Lacemaker

The Lacemaker is a painting by Johannes Vermeer, that showcases his use of light, composition, and attention to detail. It depicts a young woman, sitting on a table, and carefully working on a piece of lace. The individual lace threads and the shadows on the lady’s face perfectly capture Vermeer’s style and techniques. 

The Little Street

The Little Street depicts small houses and shops on a tranquil street in the city of Delft. This painting is celebrated worldwide for its precision, beauty, and subtle emotions. The scene is full of intricate details like the brickwork, cobblestones, and the clothing of the individuals in the background, creating depth and a sense of realism in the painting. 

Diana and Her Companions

This composition depicts a group of women, believed to be allegorical representations of the Greek goddess Diana and her nymphs. The intricate details and use of light and shadow to create a kind of depth in the painting, and symbolism have led people to contemplate that this painting is a commentary on the transience of beauty and youth. 

The Love Letter

The Love Letter is a stunning example of Dutch Golden Age art. Vermeer portrayed a young woman, standing at a table, with an open letter in hand. The masterful use of light and color lends a sense of intimacy and drama to the painting, which coupled with the contemplative expression of the woman and the mysterious presence of a man tells the story of a yearning lover. 

Girl with a Pearl Earring

The Mauritshuis in Hague will loan this painting for the Rijksmuseum Vermeer exhibition. The painting depicts a young woman with a blue turban and a large pearl earring. The vivid blues and soft, velvety fabrics, the woman’s enigmatic expression, and the subtle play of light and shadow create a sense of intimacy and mystery. It is one of Vermeer’s most iconic paintings. 

The Milkmaid

In the Milkmaid, Johannes Vermeer depicts a young woman, decked in a blue and yellow dress pouring milk into a bowl. The scene is simple yet his intricate additions like the bread crumbs on the table, the woman’s white cap, and the ceramic jug make the image all the more captivating. It is considered to be a masterpiece of Dutch Golden Age art and is admired for its sense of intimacy and beauty.

Woman Reading a Letter

Vermeer’s Woman Reading a Letter portrays a young woman, dressed in a yellow jacket with a blue scarf, sitting at a table, and reading a letter. Her expression is carefully rendered, with a kind of pensive contemplation, that makes one wonder about the contents of that letter. The soft lighting and subtle color palette create an intimate atmosphere that adds to the psychological depth of the picture. 

Christ in the House of Martha and Mary

The National Galleries of Scotland will donate this painting in Edinburgh for the Rijksmuseum Vermeer exhibition. The painting depicts a biblical scene where Christ goes to visit his two sisters. Mary is shown to be sitting near his feet while Martha completes household chores in the background. Vermeer’s use of light and color creates a sense of intimacy and quiet contemplation in this painting. 

Girl Interrupted at Her Music

Vermeer’s painting, the Girl Interrupted at Her Music would be sent to the Rijksmuseum by the Frick collection in New York. The painting depicts a young girl, dressed in an elegant blue and yellow gown, playing a virginal keyboard instrument. An unseen interruption has disturbed her playing and she is shown in a moment of surprise and distraction. The image is celebrated for Vermeer’s skill and sense of narrative. 

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Van Gogh Museum