Vermeer - The Rijksmuseum's major exhibition catalogue (Hardcover)

Foreword by Taco Dibbits, general director, Rijksmuseum

Section I: Essays

1. Vermeer - Biography
An introduction to Vermeer's life and work

2. Vermeer - His House
Although little is known about Vermeer as a personality, an investigation into his direct environment reveals much more. Paying a visit to Oude Langendijk in Delft, this essay examines Vermeer's family members, household life and personal possessions.

3. Vermeer's Invented World
Vermeer's paintings are almost exclusively interiors, imbued with a momentary stillness in time which nevertheless has been carefully constructed and orchestrated to direct the observer's gaze. This creation of intimacy is the key theme of the exhibition.

Section II: The Paintings
Includes every painting by Vermeer, grouped in 13 thematic sections, each written by a curatorial authority. Each theme includes 2?4 works:

Delft ? Coming Home
Paintings: View of the Delft, The Little Street

Inside ? Still-life Figures, Safe World
Paintings: A Maid Asleep, Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window, The Milkmaid

Very Close ? Introvert
Paintings: Woman in Blue Reading a Letter, The Lacemaker

Secluded
Paintings: The Music Lesson, The Concert, The Love Letter

Windows ? The Outside World Inside
Paintings: Officer and Laughing Girl, Lady Writing a Letter with her Maid, Woman with a Lute, Young Woman with a Water Pitcher

Letters ? The World Outside Inside
Paintings: Mistress and Maid, A Lady Writing

Fashionable Intruders
Paintings: The Glass of Wine, The Girl with a Wine Glass, Girl Interrupted in her Music

Attraction/Across the Border
Paintings: Girl with a Red Hat, Girl with Flute, Girl with a Pearl Earring, Study of a Young Woman

Playing Music for.../Waiting for the (music-)partner
Paintings: A Lady Standing at a Virginal, A Lady Seated at a Virginal, The Guitar Player, A Young Woman Seated at the Virginals

The Whole World Inside
Paintings: The Geographer, The Astronomer

World of thoughts/Inner Reflections of Vanity and Faith
Paintings: Woman with a Pearl Necklace, Woman Holding a Balance, Allegory of Catholic Faith

Early Ambitions/Try Outs
Paintings: Saint Praxedis, Christ in the House of Martha and Mary, Diana and her Companions, The Procuress

Late Ambition/Legate, Testimony
Paintings: The Art of Painting