Art

The Spell of Vermeer

Dear ,

A master of light and color, Vermeer (1632—1675) created a timeless world where the smallest actions take on a beauty beyond their commonplace settings. His artistry rests in his ability to transform a simple daily activity into a sensitive exploration of the human experience. Though few in number, his paintings are considered some of the finest art ever created.

On November 18, art historian Aneta Georgievska-Shine begins with a discussion of Vermeer’s place within the artistic culture of Holland, with an emphasis on his native city of Delft, then takes closer looks at some of his favorite subjects and the meanings they possibly reveal. The day ends with a survey of Vermeer’s legacy as reflected in the work of artists and writers from the end of the 19th century to the present. 

Puccini

"A Lady Writing", ca. 1665, by Johannes Vermeer (National Gallery of Art)

Other upcoming programs

Chinese Art

Chinese Art: From the Bronze Age to the People’s Republic
4-Session Evening Course
Mon., Oct. 16 at 6:45 PM
Chinese civilization has given rise to some of the world’s most remarkable artistic creations. Art historian Robert DeCaroli examines how, across the centuries, China’s social, religious, and political life have influenced transformations in its material culture. 

Washington's Mosaics

Washington’s Mosaics: Treasures in Unexpected Places
All-Day Tour
Fri., Oct. 20 at 8:30 AM
Join mosaic artist Bonnie Fitzgerald for an inside look at a variety of mosaic treasures at notable public sites, contemporary spaces, and federal and private buildings that contain unexpected gems.

Medieval Art

Art of the Medieval World: Cathedrals and Beyond
4-Session Daytime Course
Wed., Oct. 25 at 12 PM
Art historian Judy Scott Feldman examines the art and architecture of the 1,000-year period between classical antiquity and the Renaissance, and its relationship to a society infused with faith and spirituality.

Eugene Delacroix

From Neoclassicism to Romanticism
All-Day Program
Sat., Oct. 28 at 9:30 AM
Art historian Joseph Cassar explores the artistic and cultural highlights of neoclassicism and romanticism, from the Enlightenment to the age of revolutions, and their lasting impact on Western artists.

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Visual Literacy: The Art of Seeing
All-Day Program
Sat., Nov. 4 at 9:30 AM
In an illustrated daylong program, art historian Lisa Passaglia Bauman explains how art communicates, how to analyze and interpret it, and how it reveals something about the society that produced it.

Oslo Opera House

Scandinavian Art and Architecture: Modern Aesthetic and Traditional Heart
All-Day Program
Sat., Dec. 2 at 9:30 AM 
Scandinavians are renowned internationally for their modern aesthetic and innovations in architecture and design. Explore the creative contributions of the region’s beautiful cities with art historian Karin Alexis.

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