The Milkmaid by Johannes Vermeer, 1658-59
(Picture: Rijksmuseum)Yes, before you ask, she’s here. How could she not be? In this, not just the first retrospective exhibition of works by the Dutch master Johannes Vermeer in the history of Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, but the most complete ever mounted. It has 28 of his 37 (ish – some are disputed) paintings brought together, for the first time, including seven not seen in Vermeer’s home country for more than 200 years. It would be mortifying if his most celebrated work, certainly his most famous, wasn’t present.
But she is. Don’t worry. The Girl with a Pearl Earring (c 1664-67), with her dewy skin, her level gaze, a beauty made breathtaking by that tiny dot of white paint in the corner of her mouth that turns her from painted figure to real, breathing girl, takes pride of place in this exhibition of (mostly) masterpieces.
