Completely harmonious surface, no bubbles or impurities with a matte finish to prevents distracting reflections.
Added to your wishlist
Adding to your wishlist in progress
Framed artwork added to your wishlist
Share this work
Share with your printing options
Link to be shared
Add to my wishlist
Additional products
Canvas Print
starting at 57 €
Fine Art Print
starting at 17 €
Fine Art Print Standard frame sizes
starting at 21 €
Mounting on aluminium
starting at 29 €
More works by Vermeer
Girl with a Pearl Earring
22.8 x 25.1 cm
starting at 88 €
Girl Reading a Letter at an Op...
22.8 x 26.5 cm
starting at 92 €
The Milkmaid
22.8 x 24.4 cm
starting at 88 €
Saint Praxedis
22.8 x 25.7 cm
starting at 90 €
View of Delft
25.3 x 22.7 cm
starting at 88 €
The Little Street
22.8 x 25.9 cm
starting at 90 €
Woman Holding a Balance
22.8 x 24.5 cm
starting at 88 €
Description
It may be one of three paintings by Vermeer described in an Amsterdam auction in 1696 as "A 'face' in an antique dress, of uncommon art." Although a live model must have been employed, the artist's objective was not portraiture, but a study of character and expression. Dutch paintings of this type, called tronies, often feature curious costumes and artistic effects, such as light falling on fine fabrics, soft skin, or a pearl earring. See more
However, it is certain that Vermeer's paintings of young women in bust form were not intended to be portraits, even if a live model was employed. In contemporary inventories, including that of Vermeer's estate, paintings of this type were called tronies, a term now lost that could be translated as heads, faces or expressions. Vermeer had a habit of depicting intriguing types of characters in exotic or imaginary costumes.