"The Geographer" by Johannes Vermeer
The Geographer by Johannes Vermeer
This painting is done with oil paints on canvas by Johannes
Vermeer and was created in 1669. The physical dimension of this piece is 45.4
cm wide and 51.6 cm in height.
During the Baroque period in the 1600s, the study of nature became
favorable to the church in proving God’s creation of the world. This change in
relationship between science and the church promoted more artworks like the one
above of a man dressed in a popular robe style worn by scholars during that
time. The painting also hints upon the man’s interests with the globe and books
behind him, a framed map in the back, and the compass drawing tool in his hand.
The artist was a Dutch Baroque Period painter who specialize
in scenes of middle-class life. This artist made multiple changes to this piece
before he completed it. The painting shows a contrast between the paper the man
is standing above in comparison to the surrounding environment that seems to be
shaded in many areas. The tapestry that is on top of the table adds a richness
to the room with its intricate design and colors. The colors seem to all go
well together with not much contrast except for the blue against the light
colored walls. The mans face is not as detailed, but is instead blurred
suggesting movement within the scene. The lines are very prominent, although
thin, when outlining many of the objects in the room.
For me, it seems like a very influential piece for that time
in influencing others to become more interested in science. Even though religious
scenes were more prominent and much more dramatic, I really like the serene
calmness in this one. It shows that the model is in thought on a piece of work
that is not really shown to the viewer. I’d love to have something like this in
my home. I do not practice any religion so for me this scene is more relatable
to me than many of the popular baroque paintings.
In comparison to Renaissance art, it would be difficult to find this type of scene from the earlier period since many of the renaissance paintings were very symbolic and seemed be much more of a very extravagant setting that would include things such as angels or fantasy characters. In Renaissance art, the people displayed in an artwork would also show a much more angelic display to them as if they were above all. Characters within a scene would also look very independent from others within the same painting.
“The Geographer.” Google,
Google, https://artsandculture.google.com/story/the-geographer-stadel-museum/4gXxBhB2iA5cIA?hl=en,
Accessed on October 13, 2022.
Skulberg, Emilie Gehl. “The
Scientific Revolution and the Baroque.” Niels Bohr Institute, University
of Copenhagen, 4 May 2022,
https://nbi.ku.dk/english/www/science_in_art/chapters/baroque/.
Hi Cassandra, this is a really neat painting. The concept is so different from Renaissance art and definitely has lots of Baroque era characteristics. This painting can be so easily related to the expansion of scientific knowledge. Not only is the character of the art seen to be studying, the artist included knowledge based items not featured in the focal point, like the globe on the cabinet and the map hanging on the wall. This art isn't necessarily eye-capturing for me, mostly because there's not too much pop of color, but I do enjoy some aspects like the intricacy of the blanket and what seems to be a chair against the wall.
ReplyDeleteCassandra,
ReplyDeleteI find this piece interesting, as well as your analysis of it. You hit it spot on that though this may be a Baroque painting, it still stands out as a unique piece in that the majority of artwork during that time had an overall faithful theme. This piece, showcasing science, as a piece of serene interest that sparks the momentum of peace is very captivating in it's own right. I believe your analysis very accurately done, the detail of which you sift through the different aspects of lining, as well as the lack of contrast and almost blurred movement within the painting is great! If you look back in the studying and material from this era, do you think that this piece was only allowed if it was requested by a member of higher society, or do you think there was some push back on the focus of science? Great choice.
Jasmine
Hi Cassandra!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your blog, it was quite interesting to read through and get your thoughts and opinions about this piece. I think your point about how this painting could point people to be more interested in science and try to gain more scientific knowledge is a really good point. The figure in the painting is definitely seen to be pondering something and with the maps, compass, and globe he seems to be a very scientific thinker. I really enjoyed how the artist used lines in this painting to make things very distinct and separate from each other. The lines are just very straight for the table and the bookshelf and the map on the wall which helps some of those things to stand out. Thanks for this great blog!