The Milkmaid by Johannes Vermeer: Great Art Explained

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By the mid 17th century, the art being produced in Catholic countries had become a powerful tool of propaganda, characterized by a heightened sense of drama, movement, and theatricality that had never been seen before.
But in the Protestant Netherlands, a new wave of realism was sweeping across the country. Johannes Vermeer was producing simple domestic interiors of middle-class life. His paintings were quiet, private, and unassuming. Secular works that contained stories of real human relationships.
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I would like to thank all my Patreon supporters, in particular Alan Stewart, Alexander Velser, David Abreu, Christa Sawyer, Griffin Evans, Jennifer Barnaby, Karim Hopper, Kibbi Shaw, Nicholas Siebenlist, Paul Ark, Theresa Garfink, Toni Ko, and Tyler Wittreich.
"What a brilliant series this is" - Stephen Fry on Twitter 12 December 2020
CREDITS
SUBTITLES I input the English subtitles myself but I rely on volunteers to do subtitles for other languages and I really appreciate it - just contact me at [e-mail]
Chinese subtitles by Xue Charles
Dutch Subtitles by Bart Vergouwe
French Subtitles by Ludivine Desriac
Spanish Subtitles by Giuliana Tomio
Portuguese Subtitles by Gustavo Lyra
Title Sequence by Brian Adsit (instagram brian_vfx?... and Behance www.behance.com/badsit88)
All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel do not claim any right over them.
CAMERA OBSCURA
PRO - Tim’s Vermeer - • Tim's Vermeer - Full D...
PRO - • 1 0f 3 David Hockney, ...
NOT - www.theguardian.com/artanddes...
TV and FILMS
Grinding pigment - • Azurite - precious min...
BOOKS
Vermeer and the Masters of Genre Painting: Inspiration and Rivalry
by Adriaan Waiboer, Arthur K. Wheelock.
Vermeer by Norbert Schneider
Secret Knowledge: Rediscovering the lost techniques of the Old Masters by David Hockney
Vermeer's Camera: Uncovering the Truth Behind the Masterpieces
by Philip Steadman
Vermeer: A View of Delft by Anthony Bailey
Traces of Vermeer by Jane Jelley
Music:
Beginning - Henry Purcell: The Fairy Queen
Throughout - Jan Pietersoon Sweelinck: Lascia filli mia cara
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

[@GreatArtExplained]

New merchandise here - crowdmade.com/collections/greatartexplained

[@JJONNYREPP]

Great Art Explained: The Milkmaid by Johannes Vermeer 0423am 25.6.22 maybe the perspectives are in keeping with the lay out the various rooms as set out in his imagery etc... but the figures in his paintings do not give credence to the use of optics.

[@thomasdequincey5811]

The prices are in dollars.

[@JJONNYREPP]

@@thomasdequincey5811 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWq8mpRoppJ6ock

[@GreatArtExplained]

@@thomasdequincey5811 yes but when you pay you pay in your local currency

[@patrick8150]

Really gotta think of something different with that merchs. It looks like it steals the beauty of the original art pieces by blurring them. Of course it's a question of taste, but I cannot imagine many people seeing something "unique" in them.

[@marylee8372]

As you said, "...the quiet moments are often the most profound." I first saw this painting in a Dutch museum in 1972 when I was 22 years old. It was in a small room and I first saw it very close up; it was nice. BUT as I was leaving that room I glanced back and literally had my breath knocked out of me -- it vibrated with light and I had to continue to look at it for 10 or 15 minutes. It was a remarkable experience! In the following 50 years I have read and studied everything that I could about Vermeer's Milk Maid but never had such a satisfying analysis as you have given in this video. Thank you very much for your work. This is the first of your videos that I have seen but I subscribed straight away and I am looking forward to many more hours of enjoying your insight and analysis of various art works and history. Thank you 💖

[@GreatArtExplained]

That’s very kind - thanks for the lovely comment 🙏

[@ja-mez5102]

Literally?

[@marylee8372]

@@ja-mez5102 Yes literally. I was there in real life. This happened in 1972 -- there was no way to do it "virtually." 😂😂😂😂😂

[@ja-mez5102]

Awe you're cute lol. I was referring to the sentence "literally had my breath knocked out of me". :-)

[@marylee8372]

@@ja-mez5102 Yep, that too! When I just casually looked back to scan the room as I left it, the painting was so alive with light that I just stopped breathing, moving, thinking. I was frozen in place, not breathing, overcome with amazement!

[@IANinALTONA]

The way that Vermeer catches light and the quality of surfaces (dull, reflective, metallic, etc.) is just stunning.

[@CanuckJim]

During a lecture early in my first year at art school, the lecturer spoke about the possibility of Vermeer using aids. When some of the other student tut-tut'd about it, she said "how many of you drove to school today? walked? took transit? Does it matter HOW you got here or does it matter that you're all here? The technique doesn't define art, the art defines art."

[@Fenristripplex]

There zero evidence he used a camera obscura.

[@CanuckJim]

@@Fenristripplex That's not the point - whether he used it or not is immaterial. It's not the journey it's the destination.

[@trumptydumpty4743]

Falco thesis..Hockney.

[@Fenristripplex]

@@trumptydumpty4743 Hackney

[@trumptydumpty4743]

@@Fenristripplex en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hockney%E2%80%93Falco_thesis

[@hidingfromsomeone]

I absolutely love your choices of music to accompany each video. I feel like I get an education in both visual and audible art at the same time.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@QualeQualeson]

What a treat. Vermeer speaks to me on a deeply personal level, and I don't get that too often with art. I think it's because Vermeer's remarkable expertise transports me. It's like I'm in the setting, in a different time, looking in on real people in an unguarded moment. Even more so than in photography. This moves and humbles me to such an extent that it surprises me. This doesn't just tell me something about art, but also about myself. Through educational presentations such as this, I am better able to understand why, and consequently better understand myself. For that I am truly grateful.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Great comment thanks 🙏

[@ppumpkin3282]

When I first saw Vermeer in museums, I was shocked at how small his paintings are. It's amazing how detailed they can be in such a small space. The Milkmaid is only 16 inches by 18 inches.

[@disharibera1534]

The whole experience, discreetly summed up in the end - " ...the quiet moments are often the most profound." The most dynamic, and engaging aspect of Vermeer's art, lies in the peaceful silence of his dignified characters. Informative analytical presentation, as always. Thank you.

[@athenaartfoundation]

Completely agree!

[@JersJohn]

I recommend you read about the poem “When all the other were away at mass” by Seamus Heaney. Phenomenal

[@onitasanders7403]

I am at the beginning of my “Great Art Explained” journey. Being a novice in “this world”, I can not help being blown away by this presenter’s presentations. At his relaxed pace, I am getting history, painting techniques, the artist life in sitú, etc. Thank you for treating us as adults, eager to learn. You certainly are a master at your craft.

[@nastia7197]

Listening to the voice of the narrator is the most calming thing I have experienced in a while. Thank you so much for such an interesting video

[@secretshaman189]

His lighting technique is quite dramatic and speaks volumes in a quiet manner. Truly a masterpiece. Thank-you for your review on his painting style, very well done!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@burrito345]

feel like everybody lingered on the milkmaid painting just for a few seconds more than many other artworks. she is striking in her beauty. her unusually strong build, soft face and contrasting colour clothes are beautiful. how gentle and focused she is. absolutely perfect

[@olga138]

I lived in NYC in the '70s, and my big treat on days off was to go to the Frick Collection and stand in front of their Vermeers. If you haven't seen one in person, please do it because they are little gems. Thank you for this video---I always enjoy your analysis.

[@GreatArtExplained]

I agree - even more incredible in real life thanks 🙏

[@davidrossi1486]

How lucky you were to have seen such treasures live and such an early age. I have seen these in the Frick and other collections since then by travelling from Australia, and back and forth repetitively. It is only unfortunate that you had to grow up in NYC in the 70’s. What a dump, and unfortunately it seems to be heading back in that direction currently. Save NYC for all humanity.

[@olga138]

@@davidrossi1486 I didn't grow up there--I went there after college and had 3 very exciting, fulfilling years. We had an active block association, I volunteered as an auxiliary police woman, had rewarding work, and enjoyed concerts, Central Park, Lincoln Center, and all the museums. I didn't find it a dump at all. I still love New York and there are plenty of other people who do, also. The only reason I left is because my company transferred me to another city.

[@hongxiaren4791]

@@GreatArtExplained still have vivid memories of seeing the Girl with a Pearl Earring on a stormy day. Due to the limited exhibition time, the lines were very long at the entrance. Definitely stunning to see the real painting in person. Excellent effort to restore the splendor of the original painting.

[@eohippusone]

Yes, I seen these at the Frick.

[@daniellebissonnette3304]

My favorite painter. He mastered the art of conveying simplicity, serenity and harmony. His paintings are deeply spiritual.

[@sooryasankar2549]

I can't believe the amount of work you took for making this video .......you're just simply.......AMAZING

[@bookoffholicbookwart5945]

"Quite moments are often do profound " honestly, the day I stumbled across this channel is the best of my life

[@svenjansen2134]

*quiet

[@bartvantuijl1598]

I am lucky to be able to see his painting for real being a dutchy and this one made me gasp the first time I saw it. Your story made it come alive for the second time, thanks for that

[@joeyjoe7930]

Whether he used an aid to get perfect perspective or not, makes no difference to me. His works are masterpieces and masterclasses from a genuinely talented artist.

[@briandubois-gilbert8182]

There’s something tragic and sad that some gifted artists were not fully appreciated and recognized during their time until much later after their deaths. Vermeer, Van Gogh, Mozart all died impoverished. Vermeer and Van Gogh’s artworks today are some of the most sought after by collectors and are valued in the millions of $ in the art world. Vermeer is estimated to have painted somewhere between 45-60 works of which only 35-36 have survived-and are considered rare masterpieces. Really appreciate your deep historical insight on Dutch painting during Vermeer’s era.

[@CallieMasters5000]

The idea of the starving artist is real, and maybe it's a good thing to keep an artist hungry both physically and emotionally, so he/she is working for survival and not sitting back being lazy. Terrible for their personal lives and families, but amazing results for the public to enjoy later.

[@nelsonx5326]

@@CallieMasters5000 It seems odd that Vermeer was not a big shot in his life. Everyone can see his paintings, it's not like music in that a feeling has to be imparted. Maybe minds had to grow to accept his amazing realism. A field painting by Van Gogh, I was looking at the original at the Met, and it looked more real than any painting I've ever seen. A polaroid photo was taken of tribesmen during their first encounter with the white man. When the tribesmen looked at the photo they saw absolutely nothing. Their minds were not in tune with the photograph's duplication of reality.

[@enders8412]

@@nelsonx5326 well you actually kind of provide the reason of your own confusion. As you said, the tribesmen were not in tune with the duplication of reality. Thus, they seem unfazed by the photo. In Vermeer's era camera is not invented yet, so even if Vermeer was doing art that greatly resembled photos (beware this is not related to reality or how real it looks) since nobody had seen any kind of photo yet it probably just looked weird or "un-realistic" to people that lived in that era.

[@yyg4632]

As an artist that thought truly scares me. We do it for the love of art, yes, but theres also a selfish and normal need for validation.

Mozart got paid and recognised during his life, he worked for the court. He was very bad at finances though, that's why he wasn't wealthy. I wouldn't say poor though; he wasn't starving or homeless but he did die with less money than it ought to be.

[@cds8718]

Excellent, once again. I loved the detail of the broken window pane, letting in unfiltered light. What a wonder.

[@spiritmatter1553]

I never noticed it before!

[@JackT13]

The more I learn of Vermeer, the more I wonder whether he might be the greatest painter ever. Another superb video

[@docdoom3497]

Thank you for this video. Vermeer is one of my favorites. I still can’t wrap my head around how incredible the light work in his paintings are. Like in The Music Lesson. A talented genius.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@RickLilShore]

My profound quiet moments are when I watch these videos. They are so serene and contemplative it's beautiful.

[@Flaschenteufel]

There are few channels I'm always happy about If they throw out a video. Yours ist definitely one of them. Thank you

[@dianeaustin2414]

Yes...I agree!

[@albertowachsman7878]

Watching Vermeer's works when they were exhibited in Washington DC is one of the most touching art experiences I've lived. It's amazing that such a genius was discovered after hundreds of years.

[@ruthvanderlelij8738]

I live in Delft. People here are very proud that Vermeer comes from here. There are streets named after hun and several tourist spots of places were he had been. The things he says about dutch people are so true even 400 years later. We are still pretty minimalist, direct and strong 😂. Love your video's it had made me appreciate art more.

[@timvandenbrink4461]

As an American with Dutch ancestry, his take on the Dutch Calvinist attitude is spot on. Greetings from Holland, Michigan.

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

I got to visit Delft for a weekend. What an ancient place. Wonderful.

[@karenandrews4224]

The Dutch seem to get the balance right… cheers

[@spiritmatter1553]

I never noticed her tan lines before! Amazing. Vermeer is next level. Transcendent.

[@bkseventy]

the most stunning feature of this piece for me is the gradient of light and the detail on the white wall in the background of the painting. Unbelievable talent.

[@gregbors8364]

The Milkmaid brings all the boys to the yard 🥛

[@BrittPearceWatches]

How do you top this comment?! 😂👏🏻

[@egonkl3in212]

Greg Bors >>ROTFL🤣🤣

[@jerryshunk7152]

I'll take earring girl, Thx !

[@Frohicky1]

The Milkmaid brings all the... crusts to the... pudding

[@romanikkoralph1553]

Damn right they're better than yours

[@riggers1977]

Fantastic! I love Vermeer but I also admire your choice of which painting to focus on. Though I do like the ‘Girl with the Pearl Earring’ for its iconic status, I’ve always felt that his other works showcase his mastery far more than that particular piece. The milk maid is a truly magnificent work which deserves to be celebrated. Thanks for making this video!

[@WiseOwl_so_1d_like_to_think]

Thank you for this. Vermeer’s art speaks volumes: Indeed, the quiet moments are the most profound ones. Appreciate your channel so much for educating those of us who do not have a formal art education. It is a rich and generous resource, and definitely part of your unassuming legacy… a labour of love.

[@ZiobroV]

I recently went to the Rijksmuseum, as a enthusiast of Dutch golden age painters, and the simplest thing to describe the best painters like Vermeer and Rembrandt is to go in and look at the expositions where you have dozen of contemporaries next to each other. All are absolutely amazing, skilled and talented painters. And than you see one of the two above next to others and it just stings you how insanely different and perfect they painted. You really don't need to know anything about the art, it really just sticks out so bluntly it is not hard to see why among greats some were deffinitly the greatest.

[@cwavt8849]

I am totally uneducated about art. There are pieces that I love, others just don't move me. Having you speak on the pieces that I love, enlighten me as to why I do love them. Thank you

[@eriktempelman2097]

many, many thanks. it's been one of my all-time favourite paintings ever since I saw it for real, and it has only gained more strength through your analysis.

[@fabionunes7081]

I really like these type of artists that we dont know much about, that in their time were not famouse or apreciated. it makes it mysterious and so interesting to me.

[@davkatjenn]

I was fortunate enough to have been able to go to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam to see this beautiful painting. Vermeer was an amazing artist. Thank God he picked up a paintbrush.

[@flashladderacrobat]

Wonderful to hear these new stories within the painting and the details around them. Next time I visit the Rijksmuseum I will look for the broken pane of glass in the painting. My favorite Vermeer is in Vienna, "The art of painting" which I saw a few years ago, it's magnificent.

[@annettepora8091]

Vermeer is my favorite artist. And it is his simplicity and use of light that is riveting. Your commentary was very enlightening. Thank you.

[@janettesinclair6279]

Vermeer is my favorite artist too. I cannot see one of his paintings without being transfixed by the powerful simplicity of his work. This is my favorite of all his paintings, and I love the detail on the white wall - the nail holes, the nail with it's shadow.......

[@WildAntiN]

Vermeer has always been a favourite of mine. Thank you for the insight. I've gone to look at his work in The Louvre and in The National Gallery... I'm planning to go to the exhibit in The Netherlands next year which I'm very excited about. I love how you end this video. The quiet moments are the most profound.

[@arunkhanna2496]

Brilliant. That final line is a pure truth.

[@justadood69]

Another incredible video. Each one is better than the last. Thank you for your hard work in making these. You continue to be my favorite channel on YT!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks I appreciate the comment 🙏

[@emmaselimi2531]

Another great painting, explained with such passion and love. It's always a pleasure to watch your videos. Thank you!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Ah thanks so much 🙏

[@V00doo]

You made me study art history, thank you❤❤

[@GreatArtExplained]

So glad - thanks 🙏

[@rockingthemike]

this is incredible! best wishes in your academic journey!

[@nathaliemembreno2981]

Please never stop these videos they’re so amazing

[@Iostars]

Thank you for another wonderful video. The Milkmaid is one of my favourite paintings and I was excited when I saw you making a video on it. What I love most is the realistic lighting; something about that window and the light filling the room, the little pockmarks on the wall, the shading in the corner of the room, brought back childhood memories of the rooms I used to sleep in in my parent's home. On lazy Sundays I would lie on a bed dozing off to nap, positioned at just the right position as the view in this painting, listening to the soft rustling of tree leaves gently blown by a breeze just outside the window, the sound of a lawnmower buzzing somewhere in the distance, and the light from outside filling the room and lighting the wall in the exact same way as this painting. When you closed the video with "...the quiet moments are often the most profound", I felt absolutely sublime.

[@billsmith5109]

She’s pouring slowly because she’s pouring off the cream floating on the top, leaving the milk behind.

[@crowznest438]

I don't care what were his techniques. I just love his work.

[@vidavuk1649]

I "discovered" Vermeer when I was a teenager, and since than lasts the love to the unbelieveble artist. Each of his paintigs bringt me overwhelming beauty and happiness. Through the years I did not find someone who could be better .

[@joopbonnet5300]

The effect culture and upbringing have on what people like in art is amazing, especially as it explains so much about my own preferences.

[@timdernachn9851]

I really like his paintings. Clean and fresh, with nice colours. I didn't know the Benelux was Spanish colonial land so it was Audi interesting to read up on that too. Excellent video as always. Thank you 👌🏆

[@kimberknutson831]

This is brilliant, absolutely brilliant. I am a 58 year-old woman and have appreciated "fine art" for most of my adult life. My husband Lawrence is 64, and the same is true of/for him. Our only daughter Lily will be 23 in August. Lawrence and I are both artistic in a variety of different ways. Lily grew up around this, and she started drawing at a very young age. We also went to art museums fairly regularly when she was young. As for visual art, I can draw things fairly realistically when I feel so inclined, and Lawrence is excellent at line drawing. He is, therefore, good at cartoon drawing and can also roughly sketch out any scene in about 10 minutes. He is also an amazing photographer. Lily is good at both of the kinds of drawing that we each do, but she also has her own thing that is quite unique. We are Lily's parents and, therefore, incapable of objectivity about her, but we both believe that she will be a well-known or at least successful artist in her lifetime. She is currently and somewhat belatedly working on her undergraduate degree. She took a couple of "gap years" off after high school. We thought that was a very good idea. Lily is somewhat undecided about her major at this point, but it would make the most sense that she will ultimately choose elementary education, art therapy, or something, perhaps, having to do with business and/or administration in the art world. Regardless, she will produce fine art and sell it successfully if she feels so inclined. All of these prefatory remarks are leading to a compliment of your work and this channel. : ) Lawrence and I have watched and enjoyed your videos previously. We usually forward them to Lily, and we always look forward to new posts. We just finally had/made the time to watch this one today. Once I post this comment, I am going to forward it to Lily and then like and subscribe if I have not already done so. The things that I loved the most about this one in particular are the biographical information, the historical context, and the discussions of style, perspective, composition, technique, and medium. So Damn good. I thought I knew a decent amount about Vermeer (sp?) before watching this. Wrong. Lily is really into painting right now, and she almost always chooses single figures for her subject matter. She will enjoy this as much as we have, and she might even try some different techniques as a result of watching this. Please keep up the great work. We happen to live in Hawaii. Mahalo and Aloha. : )

[@OriginalLacytoo]

Vermeer may be my favorite painter and it is sad there are so few of his works. His colors and details are beautiful. In one video I watched, you asked about other artists for your series, and I'd like to nominate James MacNeill Whistler, in particular the White Woman painting. Thank you for the videos as I've learned much.

[@dazuk1969]

Canaletto used some kind of camera obscura (on a smaller scale) to get accurate perspective and nobody busts his balls about it. I don't care if Vermeer did or didn't, his paintings are some of the most stunning I have ever seen. I just wish there were more of them. Great stuff GAE.

[@victoriaf.74]

I absolutely love your analysis, every time you teach us and draw our attention to otherwise ignored details. Thank you. Vermeer was a genius, or should I say “is” a genius because he lives through his paintings.

[@spiritmatter1553]

Absolutely.

[@ishaanbhargav5346]

I dearly and daily wait for your videos ❤️and when they do actually show up it becomes a sort of celebration.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@yunashapatava]

very good analize. thank you, especially for the last sentence- the most quiet moments are the most profound🤍 precious that we appreciate genius of a painter centuries later, hopefully his soul rejoices that we admire what beauty he passed on to us, thank you, Mr. Vermeer 🙏❤️

[@svenleeuwen]

When I saw this painting for the first time in Amsterdam I was mesmerized by the dust and dirt in the lower right corner.

[@zorbagreek5556]

I wish there is a channel for great literature with the same quality and content

[@NareHarry]

Thank you very, very much. I'm Dutch and to see your expertise and enthusiasm for a Dutch painter who was born almost 400 years ago is astounding. This year, there will be an exhibition at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam from February 10th until June 4th, with a never shown before display of Vermeer paintings. If you get a chance, take it. You'll probably not get a second chance in your life time.

[@GreatArtExplained]

That’s a real compliment - thank you 🙏

[@nelew6454]

I'm going in 2 days! My husband managed to get tickets and I am so thrilled! As you said, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity!

[@zevnikov]

The best channel in the whole universe. Thank you dear master.

[@annb1265]

I use "Great Art Explained" in my homeschool. It's phenomenal quality and I learn a lot, too!

[@nguyennguyen-jd6vm]

I'm telling you, i can't get enough of these videos. They're so amazing; it's short, informative and to the point.

[@biancap2286]

Get up everyone! Great Art Explained just uploaded a new video! 🎉

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@isabelab6851]

Thank you…Vermeer is one of my favorite painters

[@floralwallpaperenthusiast6631]

I don’t say this often but this is an important series of KZbin videos. I’m not an art historian. I don’t regularly go to art galleries. But understanding why certain Art is so revered does make you realise just how valuable art is. I always dismissed art as a decadent pursuit, but this series has helped me see why it’s important. Well done and thanks!

[@idfclutchnixon]

And here it is, long awaited, yet perfect review. Many thanks to you for that!.. Also have to mention Bernini's David looked very interesting in the beginning of the video. Just like El Rapto De Proserpina or Daphne and Apollo. Would love your take on any of his sculptures.

[@ingridbmangubat]

This channel has deepened my love for classical art and the artists that I have always admired. And it introduced me to other fascinating artists. ❤

[@Orfeus3000]

Your naration and palatable passion is deeply appreciated

[@tombuckshum9323]

This is so cool!! I was wondering if you take requests? If so I feel like analysis of different Venuses throughout art history would be awesome. So from Willendorf (ancient), to De Milo (classical) to Urbino (renaissance) to Jeff Koons’ Venus (postmodern) or something like? Idk I would love to see this and the ideas and purpose behind all of them. But otherwise keep making these videos! I love them all!! 😍😍

[@Alt3rnatywka]

This channel is the best thing that has happened to me in the past few months! I love everything about your work, from the content knowledge and attention to every minimalist detail, to the music you choose for each episode. It's great to hear not only about the painting itself, but also about the life of the author. Your diction is also fine, even though I'm not a native speaker, I can easily understand every word you say (believe me, sometimes it's not that easy, even if you know English at a high level). I would like to watch your episodes more often, but I realize that such content takes time. I hope my comment will make your day better! :)

[@GreatArtExplained]

Such a nice comment to read - thank you 🙏

[@ideploeg3470]

Girl with a pearl: absolutely one or maybe The most beautifull striking painting in the world. Yes indeed, more beautiful as Mona Lisa! No not beïng chauvinistic. It strikes you right in your heart and makes your eyes hurt. Instant retro love to add newspeak in art! :)

[@jasongorman]

As I entered my late 40s I found myself drawn back to art which I loved as a teenager and have more or less ignored since. These videos are wonderfully constructed, interesting, and relaxing. Thank you so much for helping me reconnect with something I loved a long time ago and still love now.

[@pac2718]

Another phenomenal video providing insights on a fantastic piece of art from a brilliant artist. The light work in Vermeer's paintings is incredible. Is Turner's painting in the video some sort of foreshadowing? I hope so. I love Turner.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Turner is planned but not for a while 🙏

[@jameslippincott7440]

I go to a Reformed church and when hearing a sermon on idolatry and images, the pastor said that the image of God is not in a sculpture or painting but essentially in you and me. So, I love just how beautiful Vermeer’s paintings are for depicting people in the private spaces of their lives.

[@tomcaddick858]

Vermeer was a Catholic who suffered for his hidden faith. Like his Allegory of Faith, this is a deeply Eucharistic painting that reflects a real longing for the banned Mass. It is not a celebration of a content, privatised, horizontal view of the world, but rather a form of worship that is desirous, public, and vertical. The Eucharist is the truest artwork: an image beyond mere image in which Christ through the power of the cross is broken up for us and pours His divine nature out into us, into our broken earthen vessels that have been restored in the cleansing water and Spirit of baptism. Vermeer, in his all too human art, wanted to point us back to the divine art of Christ and give us a sacramental view of the world.

[@jameslippincott7440]

Man is saved by faith in Christ alone and not by baptism. Sacraments are our seal of God’s pledge that the forgiveness of all sins and promise of eternal life are actually accomplished by Christ’s death and resurrection. They are seals that confirm and assure us spiritually but do not save us.

[@tomcaddick858]

​@@ptatpc7925 My point was simply that public celebration of catholic worship was illegal and that this pained him as is evident in his works. Though the narrator's suggestion that he converted/married for and into great wealth is bizarre (the Vermeers, who lived modestly enough, were plagued by real financial insecurity throughout their family life despite Johannes being the greatest painter in Europe), the fact that you think a lack of wealth is the only form of suffering a person can face is infinitely more so.

[@tomcaddick858]

@@jameslippincott7440 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God' (John 3:5). Baptism is an example of the potency-act relationship - all humans are born with a rational nature because they share the nature of their parents, who are themselves rational animals, but this remains in potency because, given our physical and moral limitations, we don't necessarily act-ualise our rationality, similarly when we are born again of water and the spirit in baptism, by grace we are clothed in the sinless nature of Christ, who is without sin just as His Father is sinless, but this does not stop us from sullying ourselves in sin. As far as the faith-works relation goes, 'faith alone' is just a false dichotomy, as James 2:24 points out - the simple truth is that, through the power of God's all-consuming love, Christian faith begets Christian works and Christian works beget Christian faith.

[@DenUitvreter]

Hidden faith? At 2.11 he says the strict protestant sect of calvinism and shows a picture of what we know are 2 catholics, 1 mennonite, 1 remonstrant and 1 Dutch reformed. This is the Draper's Guild and we know who the people are and their religion was no secret. Yes, calvinism was the official religion but the freedom of conscience and therefore religious tolerance had been codified in 1579, even before the Dutch Republic or even independence was formally declared. Catholics were excluded from strategic positions and had to worship in private, but you could build an entire church inside your house as long as it didn't show from the outside. Kind of understandable given what the catholic Spain had done in the past, and the fact that it was still waging war, and later France, England and catholic Germany were out for the annihilation of the Dutch Republic and the murder of all protestants. Civil marriage was actually introduced by the protestant government to accomodate the catholics, since they couldn't do a proper church marriage.

[@user-wn8cp3qf1x]

Vermeer showed an amazing respectful love for (the) women (of his time), he makes us feel with each stroke of his brush.

[@GreatArtExplained]

New Merchandise here - crowdmade.com/collections/greatartexplained

[@pierafasano1375]

So exhaustive and exciting from the very beginning to the last image and explanation! Thanks from Rome, Italy

[@GreatArtExplained]

Great comment! Thanks so much 🙏

[@NotNudeDude]

I really thought this was a large organization running this page and creating these narrations. Boy was I wrong. These videos are a solid 10/10 Keep up the good work!!!

[@clarkewi]

His paintings are phenomenal. Have always loved them.

[@dianeaustin2414]

I always get so much from your art videos. I thank you. Only wish they were longer!

[@slayer8actual]

While the "flamboyant" art "that was characterized by a heightened sense of drama, movement and theatricality" is very interesting to look at, the paintings with "quiet moments" are much more relatable for most people. We don't fight lions or wield swords in a dining hall. We are the common people doing our chores, working the earth and tending our children. At least for me, it's easier to get lost in the painting as I wonder what those people are thinking and feeling in their world inside the frame.

[@Tomasz30899]

Great work! Loved this video so much! The way to communicate the setting, background culture, and zeitgeist, in such a short video is really nice!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@gefu5197]

i just loved the "flow of light from left to right"

[@JB-qh3dn]

Just fantastic! Thank you so much for this lecture!

[@mindunwind1]

“Waiting is painful. Forgetting is painful. But not knowing which to do is the worst kind of suffering.” ― Paulo Coelho

[@Reza090]

The music just makes everything so much more beautiful.

[@warfordjokes]

Yes! I've been waiting for Vermeer. Thanks for making, can't wait to watch!

[@kimbutler6912]

Weirdest story - I’d never heard of Vermeer or knew his paintings , ten years ago my only time visiting The Louvre I was completely alone in an alcove around a corner and I saw a smallish painting that caught my eye couldn’t take my eyes off it , a handsome middle aged gentleman beautifully formally dressed came from nowhere behind me and told me all about the painting speaking perfect English with a French accent , the painting was The Music Lesson / Woman Seated At A Virginal and I thanked him and wrote the artist Vermeer and the name of the painting down . Investigated it later and fell in love with and became obsessed with Vermeer studying his paintings reading many books etc . Come to find out The painting I saw Woman Seated at a Virginal / The Music Lesson has never been in The Louvre , it has been in The Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace since 1762 . There’s no way I could have seen it , nor has The Louvre had any Vermeer painting very similar ? ! Crazy huh ?

[@dlbstl]

That sounds like a great experience. Teleportation? But what I suspect is, it was on loan it just isn't publicly documented?

[@kimbutler6912]

@@dlbstl , Yes , it must be something like that , but there was no card or anything suggesting it was on loan and the painting was around a small corner in a small alcove ,you’d think it would have been more prominently displayed , and the gentleman coming from behind me when there was no one else around , I know there’s a logical explanation but it’s still a fun mystery remembering how I first fell in love with Vermeer . Thank You for replying

[@demi3115]

How does that feel? Being so oblivious before to one of the most wellknown painters?

[@kimbutler6912]

@@demi3115 , it feels shameful , but also exciting because I could feel my interest triggered and I knew a new painter obsession was heading my way like an oncoming train . It’s hard for me to branch out and enjoy many different artists at the same time , I usually spend a few years studying just one and for awhile they’re all I can think about . It’d probably be different if I had access to any museums. What I wouldn’t give to see that spectacular Vermeer showing in Amsterdam. da Vinci , Rembrandt, Michelangelo , Anthony Van Dyck , Frans Hal , Jean Leon Gerome , John Singer Sargent , Eduard Manet , Pieter de Hooch , Lucus Van Leyden, John Constable . Oh I’ve loved them all so dearly .

[@karensteinhaus4095]

@@kimbutler6912 Kim, you are a generous spirit. I enjoyed your story about the Louvre. Hope you get back there again.

[@lindahoekstra3172]

I am currently writing a cleaning tender for the Mauritshaus where Vermeer's the Girl with the pearl earring is currently residing. Did you know that painting only auctioned for 2 "gulden" and 30 cents (roughly one euro but obviously not accounting for inflation). That is crazy to me! Vermeer's lines, or often lacl thereof, are so stunning to me. I loved your analysis of the work, also in relation to the culture of how (food) waste is such a big no-no in Calvanism. I never thought of that.

[@briankelly5828]

A really helpful and learned analysis that has deepened my appreciation of this masterpiece. Thank you very much.

[@noahmccoist6059]

Oh my!!!!! Finally the painting from Vermeer. Thank you GREAT ART EXPLAINED 🤍🤍🤍

[@ulicirebeca4038]

Thank-you for this amazing video. You've outdone yourself yet again!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Oh thanks 🙏

[@jamesthomas3756]

6:41 I feel bad for laughing at this

[@Dan-xx5jq]

His ability to pick the right shade of color is incredible!! How i wish i could do that! He was a genius with lots of years of experience with pigments to get the just the right color and shade. i saw a video of a Chinese man who worked all his life mixing paint. He can take a sample and make an exact copy of that color of paint, just by using his brain. Today, machines mix up paints to the right shade.

[@numbersix8919]

This channel is #1 for art history and appreciation.

[@dimitreze]

I looooved Tim's Vermeer! Amazing doc.

[@WudEvZ]

He took the map off the wall...literally. there's still and outline of where it could have been. Genius.

[@mycatiswaysmarterthanmosto8500]

Something about these videos bring me great calm. I dont know why. Its needed in my life right now..so thankyou.

[@haroldseaman4243]

I'm a fan of Vermeer because of the Documentary I love his work regardless of he achieved it!! My inner nerd was fascinated by Camera Obscura and if he did use one he had an inner nerd too lol!!! Great video!!!

[@markp9366]

Can you make a video on American Gothic?

[@GreatArtExplained]

It’s planned. One day - thanks 🙏

[@jackkramer568]

@@GreatArtExplained How about a Stańczyk!