Vermeer : the art of love and leisure

Extremely clever exhibition at the National Gallery looking at the role of music in art and society in the Dutch Golden Age focusing on Vermeer.

This exhibition was beautifully arranged to gradually introduce you to ideas about music at this time before hitting you with the star pictures. The pictures were displayed alongside instruments and music books. It was also a good way to highlight the galleries pictures from the Dutch Golden Age.

It looked at the meaning of music in art, the social function of music, the role of duets and solo playing. The duets room had a slightly Carry On double entendre feel about it which was fun!

Then what can you say about the Vermeers? Much as I love early 20th century art I think Vermeer may be my favourite artist. This was a great chance to see five pictures about music making which will probably never been seen together again. The two National Gallery pictures were shown with the Kenwood guitar player in between and they made a lovely trio. The Royal Collection had lent and early work of a women at a virginal with a man and her reflection on the mirror above the instrument. There was also a lovely little picture on loan from a private collection. All of these pictures had a lovely calm about them. I find they pull you in to look at the detail.

The last room focused on the scientific work which had been done on the pictures prior to the exhibition and was fascinating. A real must of an exhibition!

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