ART/ARCHITECTURE - Johannes Vermeer

Johannes Vermeer is one of the world's greatest artists, in part because he's not great in the usual sense. He was content to paint very ordinary scenes and remind us of how special the everyday can be.
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Produced in collaboration with Khyan Mansley
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[@SimplyMayaBeauty]

Honestly, I could listen to her talk for hours. She's such a charming narrator and the topic was fascinating. Above all else, she seems passionate about it, which is important.

[@spacedtime6597]

I agree

[@vegnagunL]

yep

[@IcebergMikeTPals]

I echo your sentiments.

[@spacedtime6597]

***** Is she an actress?

[@skimpoppy]

SimplyMayaBeauty I thought quite contrarily that her eye-flirting through the camera made it uncomfortably a lot about her, whilst I was interested in Vermeer. I definitely prefer voice-over like in most of the other videos on the channel

[@Tribefull]

I have spontaneously fallen in love with this woman. For every reason.

[@augori1]

Tribefull Me too.

[@DudeOfTheWeek]

Can I join the club?

[@starman900]

how ironic: she's presenting a video about finding beauty in the simple, yet we're all marvelling at her extraordinary grace and charm

[@starman900]

then she's a perfect animate embodiment of Vermeer's paintings :) great choice of presenter

[@WZRDr]

+The School of Life thats exactly why her beauty is distracting

[@oganotluibov]

Matthew there is nothing ordinary in the background with the mirror and what looks like a fire place. Not everyone can afford that kind of simple life. Plus this calm charm that the speaker exudes could be because she grew up in a protected environment or if she has not faced the dark night of the soul.

[@mikenjenga6800]

we should be marvelling at the fact that she is doing ordinary things like folding clothes which is in line with the themes vemeer potrayed

[@popinigis]

I thought the same thing! I am in love with her!

[@-grey]

He sounds like the independent filmmaker of painters. Poignantly framing the irremarkable, and telling humble stories of lives just in progress. His painting style is amazing, also.

[@Steegro68]

Wow. That was beautifully shot, very well written and delightfully presented. Thanks, guys.

[@iwliawh]

No wonder she is talking to us from home, the most ordinary place.

[@anoitedfighter]

School of life needs more art videos with this lady !

[@alisanhaji2396]

Le message transmis est important, nécessaire, vitale même pour celui qui ne saurait le moyen de chercher, dans son entourage et sa proximité, des sources de soulagement et d'admiration. Un unique soleil trop brillant cache les milliers d'étoiles qui ne scintillent que le soir. Hélas, beaucoup d'entre nous voudraient aveuglément atteindre le soleil et n'ont pas la patience d'attendre son coucher, pour savourer les petites lumières du ciel. Votre message est significatif, admirablement écrit, et le sourire qui le chante est mélodieux et attendrissant. Merci.

[@YaduGiri]

Her narration is something like a paintings she's talking about makes sense to me.

[@KhanhPham-mr9up]

So elegantly presented. Loved this perspective on Vermeer's work. Although it may not be obvious, I think there is a parallel between Vermeer's paintings and the epic religious inspired pieces from the Baroque period. There's a high level of photo-realism in both styles, but it is Vermeer who takes us much deeper into realism. I find it difficult to describe why I love Vermeer to others. His compositions are so well thought that those moments can't be as candid as they seem, yet everything is so grounded in realism that it makes me believe that candid life can be art. For me, Vermeer built the bridge from this world to the world of forms.

[@MrAkihiros]

Who cares about Vermeer? The narrator is a sublime work of art. Love it.

[@molly9929]

People that are not ignorants, and seen pretty women already.

[@OhYeahCh]

The world needs more reviews of these artists.

[@MustafaKulle]

I love Hannah. So elegant in every way. I could look into her eyes and listen to her forever. Please let her present more videos.

[@edmulterer5984]

So glad I found this channel. This is exactly how I want to teach my children art. The silver lining to COVID 19 imposed home schooling.

[@nathanielharrison4396]

She is so beautiful, Great message and even better channel.

[@BlueSkies.73]

Alain de Botton My dearest Alain, your non-native english speaking fans need proper subtitles in these lovely videos. The automatic ones are just usesless. Please don't exclude us! :-) We love the School of Life.

[@jackmcgoldrick2716]

I love how she's folding washing at the end

[@somerzhang8287]

me too. it's probably one of the best scene/ways to talk about works of Vermeer. I love her choice of locations, seemingly random yet very thoughtful at once.

[@dubldeka]

I always saw Vermeer as the first modern Artist. He may not have been well known in his time but was a great influence on so many Artists in the following century's.

[@matthewbarnes7029]

"...doing these things faithfully and without despair is life's real duty." What a beautifully true proposition from a truly beautiful person. Thank you Dr. Roxburgh. M. Botton (or would it be de Botton?), the underlying theme of your productions as well as your written work is nothing short of inspiring. You monsiuer, are a proper champion of the naturally super :). Would you consider making this video the first in a series highlighting the ascetic discipline expressed globally by humanity during such seemingly "ordinary" activities? Imagine each video picking a living artist whose work serves to specifically showcase the intrinsic value of what has been publicly reduced to an ennui inducing prosaic mosaic of the common and the mediocre. The videos could even be shorts < 1min. which give your viewers just enough information on the subject and in such a manner as to motivate individual research. Thank you and happy producing!

[@noticias6111]

Alain de Botton Mr. de Botton while I'm sure many ppl including myself could find spots of contention in the thoughts you express,one vibe I've gotten out of this channel at least is how you make it a persistent thing to say "don't take anything for granted" in different way. Even though the video wasn't done in the usual style of "the curricilum" series, it was still great to have Dr.Roxburgh explain Johannes Vermeer and a bit of Dutch history as well.

[@hazieqriefdy2441]

Alain de Botton I love your book!

[@starflower2583]

This is why I like lofi videos, they're just like Johannes Vermeer. Nothing exciting goes on in them. Somebody studying, walking, or just enjoying a nice night. I think Vermeer would've been a lofi fan and probably made art for their videos.

[@AldrianCG]

What a lovely voice, I could listen to it forever.

[@khananasherov7764]

I think this is the best of her recordings on the subject. Very good diction, rhythm, emphasis on important words, short pauses... facial expressions, gesticulation... And the subject is great: Vermeer... In this video, things she says make memorable points, due to both choice of words and intonation. I would recommend this video to public speakers and actors, as a model of doing it right.

[@ledafrost]

What a wonderful and timely reminder. Thank you.

[@chocothemagnificent1019]

This is an explanation of an artist I have long admired in a very different way. The Doc is spot on!

[@chichogavela9078]

Amazing!!! I love the discourse, so soothing and touching. Thank you so much!!

[@PeterDiMeo]

watching pretty girls talk about the prettiest art actually makes my heart race...I get butterflies looking into her eyes and the paintings only enhance the joy...like it's Vermeer! when I look at the girl with the pearl earring I get a tear to my eye

[@Sasha0927]

I'm sad there are only a few of these artist profile videos available here. It's been a pleasure to hear about Rembrandt and Vermeer so far. There's definitely a truth to the latter's message of valuing simplicity and watching this playlist has been surprisingly spiritual given the alignment to my faith. I really appreciate it.

[@antonartemenko2927]

Thank you very much for this video! I liked the idea how an artist should restore glamour and light to areas we don't appreciate

[@FingersKungfu]

The lady narrater made me forget what was the topic I came to listen to.

[@samson3523]

+Alexander Jenkins alright romeo, calm down

[@Krishnasaish1]

Worthy messages, as always. Could you do a video on the importance of introspection and the importance of scrutiny of one's own thoughts? It is hard to break through the barrier of egos built and get across the message that our beliefs are not always well thought out. Often, people preserve try to preserve their self image and try avoiding thoughts that challenge their mental framework. How do we effectively break this barrier and genuinely try to make one another's perspectives better?

[@seanblough6257]

That sounds like a job for Socrates.

[@saIvete]

I think you guys should do a video oriented in Neurology/Psychology focusing on constructivism and how at the end people end up believing their own world created in their mind. It is well synthesized in the indian story about the Blind Men and the Elephant.

[@anthonyburee650]

Thank you for an enlightening discussion on the merits of Vermeer, whose paintings have wabi sabi vibe, I had not looked at them from that perspective.

[@dandrewilliams9963]

je suis tombé sur cette chaine par hasard il y a quelque semaine et j'adore ces videos. Elles m'ont bouleversé!! elles m'ont inspiré, elles m'ont fait croire qu'il reste encore de l'espoir dans l'humanité. merci bien.....You guys are awesome.

[@kieranmorris7315]

MOOOOOORRRREEE!!!! This was absolutely enchanting.

[@ThePeaceableKingdom]

Brava Dr. Roxburgh! I'm always happy when attention is paid to great art, and happier still when it's a perspective I can endorse. Well done.

[@Sheath1819]

The paintings are so clear...

[@akrawihome]

Thank you, Hannah, for an informative and very beautiful story. You also have a wonderful philosophy that I hope many people can learn.

[@zedwms]

The extraordinary of the ordinary. This is the perspective from which I write poetry, and my readers scratch their heads. It may simply be because it's no good, but I like to think it's because we're so endoctrinated for the thrilling, that the breathtakingness of the common escapes us.

[@bulgarianmimi]

So, so lovely. And needed. Thank you so much.

[@yonathanasefaw9001]

More! I want more Art/Architecture! More more more!

[@kkomas]

Thank you for making such great, relaxing and interesting videos.

[@cappsie1]

We're not who we think we are; we're not who others think we are; we are who we think others think we are.

[@marcomatute5441]

Incredible, extraordinary lecture! I enjoyed this very much. Greetings from América Central Honduras. Keep up these great videos!

[@blackstarblues9055]

I really enjoyed this video - informative and thought provoking.

[@oromano]

My girlfriend saw her, got jealous, heard her voice, fell in love. Now I'm single :-) Listening to such a talented and graceful creature is a pleasure for mind, heart and senses. Keep making videos like this!

[@CVH2311]

I live and grew up in Delft :D This video was very charming and nice

[@potenvandebizon]

Very interesting, never had heard what Vermeer meant with his paintings. I will look at the Melkmeisje poster I have hanging on my wall differently from now on.

[@casualcadaver]

Never thought someone would make me melt talking about a 17th century Dutch painter. Such an enthralling girl.

[@clementcamus1340]

Just feel in love with the narrator after 1:31 of video

[@clacclackerson3678]

Thank you for this extraordinary video.

[@SrgtBarney]

her voice and her looks are just so LUSH

[@kaishaker5663]

Art she says, not knowing that she herself is a peace of art.

[@deepakdogra5524]

even you are very special dr.Hannah, you have a unique eyebrow, a magical pair of eyes and deep into them a glimpse of a beautiful mind , that is easily deduced., with the voice as melodious as a nightingale you really are special docs.

[@ryanoneiljohnson8743]

I suddenly smile when the scene she explains the milk woman. The speaker has beautiful explanation and appearance.

[@gabrielferreira-fi4di]

dr Hannah is really a good teacher..and very cute too! thanks for everything School of Life!

[@JapanJohnny2012]

As always, Roxy explains excellently how we can understand art with her trademark clarity. It is all well and good, if we can understand and appreciate the simple everyday scenes of a Vermeer painting, but I suggest it's a bit more tricky, in real life. My delightful wife does indeed perform her everyday tasks with a graceful poise, and a sense of quiet, willing duty, but if I stood there, gazing appreciatively at her, while she does it, she mignht ask me to give her a hand, so I think it better to contemplate her simple, engaging awesomeness, while having a beer with the lads in the pub.

[@nipa161991]

You should consider moving the microphone closer to the narrator or adapting a better voice recording technique on those videos that ones speaks on the camera. It is harder for non-native people to listen and fully comprehend given the lack of subtitles.

[@BlueSkies.73]

***** PROPER subtitles pleaaaseeee!

[@gib803]

+Vice Q ?? I am non native... yet I understand her just fine? Could you give specific examples? I don't know where you are confused. :/

[@LoveEarthHereAndNow]

i am a native speaker, and still don´t understand, i think the advice on getting closer to the mic, is spot on

[@dobrodave123]

Reminds me of Judy Greer a bit. Just an adorable young woman ! Oh yea, and nice video topic. Well done !

[@roman14032]

ver meer was the greatest painter of all time no one else is even close technically unmatched

[@TheMoni700]

My favorite artist

[@Justmynewaccount]

She really has a fantastic voice.

[@fe4000]

Another beautiful reflection that could easily fit a longer, satisfying, cathartic discussion. 👏

[@zakkdavis1704]

This is wonderful ..I would love to study and talk with members of the school of life

[@jacobpetitta7038]

And great video along with that, cool to learn about

[@Rokkidud]

I would argue that people have taken Vermeer's advice to heart more than he could imagine. An example of this is fame as it plays out today. Take the Kardashians. Have you ever wondered why they're famous? The simple reason seems to be that they're famous for being famous. They have become so familiar to so many people that their familiarity and normality is what sements their fame. This phenomenon is studied academically (alas, I could not find the article I'm referring to) as a psychological explanation from the point of view of the fan to explain why seemingly untalented, non-sensational people attain fame. It's their familiarity. Just as money attracts money and thus the rich will always have an easier time getting richer, so it is with fame in the current political and economic world.

[@maccabeehuxley3035]

She is so captivating that I almost failed to realize that she was folding her clothes on her stove.... I love her

[@pippy6677]

I really do enjoy School of Life videos. But there is an issue with the quality of the audio recording in this one. I hope that in future productions selecting higher quality audio equipment and perhaps working with an audio technician will become a priority. That said, thank you again for all your good work.

[@sarahfirth]

I love this!

[@barbarahenry9231]

Great video !! Thank you

[@santiagocondemorales5567]

this video is art itself, she describes the beauty of the common task and at the same time she does them herself, in such a subtle way that her beauty had more impact in most of the comments (honeslty i was looking for that comment of someone saying: "cheaky girl explaining while doing, clever and beauty, the kind of content im all about") sometimes you have to be the first i guess

[@BullitCake]

Vermeer using optics to paint is amazing

[@Ezada]

Thank you!

[@To411u]

Wow this Woman's great!

[@iamauntmeem]

I love your sweet approach to Vermeer's celebration of people going about their everyday activities. Most are people within his circle, yet at least two appear to be servants. Why did he paint this lovely colorful woman pouring milk? Andrew Graham-Dixon in his search for more insight into Vermeer found in the town's legal records the incident of Willem, Maria Thins' son attacking his mother and his sister. Catarina Vermeer was pregnant at the time. Vermeer was not at home during this incident but their Maid stepped in between Catarina and her brother, Willam, to protect Catarina and her child. Is this, perhaps, the MilkMaid that protected Vermeer's wife and child?

[@Diego-ys9tv]

Wonderful video!

[@ancientscribbles]

I was listening to your explanation, but somewhere amongst the words I got lost in your delicate manner and cute voice. And that's just fine with me :)

[@igot40movies]

I love the ¨Loteria´´ player cards in the kitchen background

[@peterg5715]

I am in love too!

[@nataliastruk7930]

shes great!

[@ArielBGlenn]

Wonderful! I really hope this channel reaches fame.

[@ArielBGlenn]

Alain de Botton In this particular case, I would disagree with Johannes!

[@john2426]

I Love this Canal. Do so on. :)

[@groovygoofyrose]

These videos are rad. I'd be interested to see some about the Dadaists. They had neat philosophies.

[@paulwalters5943]

Hannah, I am so in love with you it's not funny... Your voice is the calming whisper of angels. Wow. Please School of life, give me more Hannah!!!

[@hangngothu9371]

any podcasts have this kind of pleasant voice?? recommendation please

[@THCynical]

Seems from the comments many of us could appreciate the company of an intelligent, alluring woman. A came here for a narrative Alain, I didn't expect to encounter real personality. Life catches me with jabs.

[@agus.90]

gresat video! love this channel. cheers

[@Manodragon]

i like this style too. kind of smarthistory

[@yaven8338]

"So, do you have time to come do the interview today?" "Umm nevermind just film me as I do the laundry"

[@blondthought5175]

While I can appreciate Mr. Vermeer, I get the sneaking suspicion that his work and life are merely supplying the background for the presenter's ethereal--and considerable--charms.

[@uniqueflowsnake]

I could listen to her speaking all day long and not hear a word because I would get lost in her eyes.

[@selenabaozi]

[@somethingtodiefor1]

The melancholic thought which enters my mind is - what would have happened if Vermeer had actually travelled and seen the world outside Daft? What other forms of basic life could he have painted?

[@casualcadaver]

+somethingtodiefor1 The melancholic thought which enters my mind is- damnit, ill never get a girl like this hahaha.

[@rlv4304]

Very nice.

[@Bernardonogmo]

This narrator's voice is so lovely! I could hear she speaks about anything for hours, though the audio could be better, I'm brazilian and her beautiful accent became a bit hard to understand at some parts.

[@Survivethejive]

Personally I prefer the extraordinary to the everyday, the beautiful to the plain, the excellent to the mediocre. We live the legacy of the Dutch glorification of the merchant, but people still want to see films about super heroes and honour the war dead, not merchants and milk maids.

[@teaandcheese]

There's 'big' magic (super hero movies and Santa Claus) and 'small' magic (someone giving you a hug or making you a cup of tea) and we need both in equal measure :D p.s. Big fan of your work Mr Botton, your books have been most useful, cheers!

[@Survivethejive]

Alain de Botton quite true, "boyhood" was charming.

[@Survivethejive]

DarkAngelEU Mr. de Boton referred to Richard Linklater, so I "picked" his most recent film. No one was talking about Dardenne.

[@touchvanthea4404]

Google made me do it .,466jc 6 M.,,,!,'//

[@conradmeaders8449]

Make more are and architecture video s'il vous plaît. I love these videos

[@raphaelluizpellanda1874]

very nice video!!!

[@Kwikfix747]

"And a plain white wall can be a major source of delight" - Ok, steady on now...

[@bluesquare23]

I like Vermeer.

[@robcreasytv]

I agree with the comments. I was struck by the flawless presentation from a woman who is an expert in her field. What was refreshing was the concise and intimate delivery. Even more impressive was her style and attention to detail, which reflected the subject matter - creating emphasis effortlessly. I am an instant fan.

[@Hattaarsen]

Отлично снято. Если будете переводить, то это значит, "Все очень гармонично и уравновешено, диктор не стоит без дела, красивая девушка на кухне, занимается домашними делами."

[@River_StGrey]

I would be very interested to hear one of these on Rembrandt. Also, is she folding already folded clothes at the end?

[@somerzhang8287]

haha, I have same Qs, seems like the clothes looked "complete" when she started folding again.