Readers, Welcome to my blog (formerly Birds, Blooms, Books, etc). I'm entering a new decade taking on the challenge of moving from Maryland after living there 46 years and learning about my new home here in New England in the Live Free or Die state - New Hampshire. Join me as a write this new chapter of my life.

Saturday, December 9, 2017

Vermeer and the Masters of Genre Painting

Friends went with Dan and I to see this exhibit at the National Gallery of Art in Washington on Thursday.  It's a must see exhibition if you are anywhere near DC.  Ends on January 21st.

Apparently in the Dutch Golden Age of genre painting (scenes from daily life) there was quite a bit of overlap among the artists of the time: Johannes Vermeer, Gerard ted Borch, Gerrit Dou, Frans van Mieris, and Gabriel Metsu.  They often featured the same pose and daily activity.

Look at these paintings. Three different artists, very similar poses and activity.






And again with these three.




Were they trying to out do each other?  Were they inspired by each other? Were they learning from each other?

There are almost seventy paintings in the exhibit from 1655 to 1680.  All of them are lovely glimpses into Dutch life.

The detail in these paintings is incredible.  Enjoy!










Did you notice all the dogs in the paintings?

Want to learn more?  Here's the link to National Gallery of Art.

Linking to Tuesdays Treasures

4 comments:

Blogoratti said...

Such great and lovely works, and wonderful photos. Thanks for sharing, warm greetings!

Tom said...

...perhaps these were early photographs. They provide a wonderful glimpse into a faraway time. Thanks Marcia for sharing, please stop back again.

A Colorful World said...

Interesting the similarities of the three subjects more than once by three different Dutch painters! I loved seeing the works. I am always amazed by the realism of the satin clothing!

Angie said...

Fascinating topic! And so inspiring that many of the paintings were of women - and none of them were cooking or cleaning!