10 masterpieces of Vermeer gathered together in one place
At Otsuka Museum of Art, you can see 10 works by Vermeer, one of the most famous Dutch painters, all in one place.It is said that there are approximately 37 works by Vermeer (there are various theories), but only at this museum can you see 10 of them!
The works on display at this museum are masterpieces, ranging from works that appear in textbooks to works that have never been shown in Japan.
Please enjoy the charm of Vermeer's works, such as the style that exudes tranquility and mystery, the precise technique, and the scattered allegories.
▲Otsuka Museum of Art 2nd Basement Floor Vermeer Gallery
Jan Vermeer
Born in Delft, Netherlands in 1632. He began his career as a painter when he was 21 years old.He depicts daily life indoors with subjects such as letters, music, and love, and creates beautiful and delicate works that captivate the viewer, with precise brush strokes, well-calculated expressions of light, and paintings within paintings that can be interpreted in multiple layers. left. After his death in 1675 at the age of 43, his works were gradually forgotten, but in the 19th century they were once again appreciated.
[Pick Up! ①] Admire masterpieces that are even included in textbooks up close
"Girl with a Pearl Earring"
Around 1665-1666
Mauritshuis Museum Collection
Netherlands
One of Vermeer's most well-known works.The girl looking back is exposed to strong light and stands out from the dark background, creating a mysterious atmosphere.
Please take a close look at the momentary light reflecting off the eyes, pearls, and lower lip as depicted by the "magician of light" Vermeer.
[Pick Up! ②] Watch masterpieces not yet released in Japan
"Music practice"
Around 1662-1664
Royal Collection
United Kingdom
*Additional exhibition in October 2023
One of the collections of King Charles III of England, who held his grand coronation ceremony this year.The original painting is a valuable piece that is only shown for a short period of time, and even more irregularly, so there are limited opportunities to view it.
The lid of the virginal (keyboard instrument) says in Latin, "Music is a friend of joy and a healer of sorrow," so perhaps he is being taught a lesson in love.
"A Young Woman standing at a Virginal"
Around 1670-72
National Gallery Collection
United Kingdom
A masterpiece of Vermeer's late period, this work is a perfect mixture of the delicacy of his heyday and the simplification of his later years.
▼ The picture of Cupid holding up a playing card in the center implies "faithful love", and the bow above her head is also interpreted as indicating that the woman is in love.
[Pick Up! ③ ] View two paired works at the same time
"A Young Woman standing at a Virginal"
Around 1670-72
National Gallery Collection
United Kingdom
"Woman Sitting at a Virginal"
Around 1670-1672
National Gallery Collection
United Kingdom
*Additional exhibition in October 2023
“Music” is the most common theme in Vermeer's interior paintings. Although the poses of the performers and the brightness of the rooms are contrasting, these 2 works are considered to be a pair because they share the same year of production, size, and the instruments depicted.
[Pick Up! ④] Admire two “landscape paintings” painted by Vermeer
"View of Delft"
Around 1660
Mauritshuis Museum Collection
Netherlands
"Delft Alley"
Around 1660
Rijksmuseum collection
Netherlands
Of the 37 works attributed to Vermeer, only two are landscape paintings.
Both depict Vermeer's irreplaceable hometown of Delft.He admires the townscape of Delft, which is gradually losing its momentum, and his works reflect its glorious days and the thoughts of its people.
OtherOtsuka Museum of ArtVermeer's works can be viewed at
A work that uses glossy colors, which is unusual for Vermeer.
"Girl with a wine glass"
Around 1658-59
Collection of Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum
Germany
Pay attention to the depiction of milk flowing down!
"The Milkmaid"
Around 1660
Rijksmuseum Collection
Netherlands
“Letters” are Vermeer’s favorite subject to draw.
"Woman reading a letter"
Around 1663
Rijksmuseum Collection
Netherlands
One of only two single male images
"Geographer"
1669/
Städel Museum collection
Germany