Despite numbering at just 35, his works have prompted a New York Times
best seller; a film starring Scarlett Johansson and Colin Firth; record
visitor numbers at art institutions from Amsterdam to Washington, DC;
and special crowd-control measures at the Mauritshuis, The Hague, where
thousands flock to catch a glimpse of the enigmatic and enchanting Girl
with a Pearl Earring, also known as the "Dutch Mona Lisa".
In his lifetime, however, the fame of Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675)
barely extended beyond his native Delft and a small circle of patrons.
After his death, his name was largely forgotten, except by a few Dutch
art collectors and dealers. Outside of Holland, his works were even
misattributed to other artists. It was not until the mid-19th century
that Vermeer came to the attention of the international art world, which
suddenly looked upon his narrative minutiae, meticulous textural detail,
and majestic planes of light, spotted a genius, and never looked back.
This 40th anniversary edition showcases the complete catalog of
Vermeer's work, presenting the calm yet compelling scenes so treasured
in galleries across Europe and the United States into one monograph of
utmost reproduction quality. Crisp details and essays tracing Vermeer's
career illuminate his remarkable ability not only to bear witness to the
trends and trimmings of the Dutch Golden Age but also to encapsulate an
entire story in just one transient gesture, expression, or look.
About the series
TASCHEN is 40! Since we started our work as cultural archaeologists in
1980, TASCHEN has become synonymous with accessible publishing, helping
bookworms around the world curate their own library of art,
anthropology, and aphrodisia at an unbeatable price. Today we celebrate
40 years of incredible books by staying true to our company credo. The
40 series presents new editions of some of the stars of our program--now
more compact, friendly in price, and still realized with the same
commitment to impeccable production.
