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Vermeer: An Exploration of Stillness and Contemplation with Dr. Timea Andrea Lelik

Vermeer: An Exploration of Stillness and Contemplation with Dr. Timea Andrea Lelik


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Although almost everyone is familiar with Johannes Vermeer’s truly exceptional body of work, few are aware how these paintings hold great value beyond their artistic and historical context. Vermeer is one of few exceptional artists able to identify "simple" things that we tend to overlook, but about which we should care deeply. His works, with their silent and deeply contemplative tone, emphasize the idea that our true needs might be more simple than we think. 

By elevating the value of the commonplace and our daily lives, these paintings redistribute beauty and importance. For instance, the well-known milkmaid is a proponent of easy, domestic pleasures. Daily tasks like serving milk and bread are worthy of in-depth reflection and praise, as are the people who perform them so lovingly. Vermeer appears to imply that each of us has an equally significant inner and outer life, even if we are not famous individuals. We are enthralled by the girl with the pearl earring exactly because we do not know who she is and because she exudes a mysterious aura in which we may perhaps even recognize ourselves. 

Led by an expert on modern and contemporary art and published author, Dr. Timea Andrea Lelik, this interactive seminar will explore the world of Johannes Vermeer’s paintings beyond their well-known artistic and historical context. Designed to inform curiosity, participants will come away with an increased understanding and appreciation of some of the most celebrated works of Western art. 

Dr. Timea Andrea Lelik is an art historian, curator, and writer based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. She holds an MA in art history from Utrecht University and a Ph.D. in art history from the University of Amsterdam. For over ten years she has written, lectured, and published in the international field of modern and contemporary art. As a freelance curator, she organized several exhibitions in The Netherlands and abroad. Since 2016, she is serving as a member of the International Association of Art Critics, AICA, The Netherlands.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 7 reviews
71%
(5)
29%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
A
Alette (Amsterdam, NL)
Wonderful!

This is an excellent talk by Dr Lelik with wonderful insights into Vermeer's world. Highly recommended!

A
Anonymous (Dallas, US)

Guest did not leave comment

C
Charlotte (Sunnyvale, US)
Beautiful!

Vermeer is one of my favorite artists. Dr Lelik's lecture was both informative and a meditative experience. Seeing the beautiful paintings and hearing her description of the stillness allowed me to appreciate the paintings at a different level. My brain stepped aside to let me have a feeling experience of the paintings. I am so sad that I cannot go to the Vermeer exhibit in Amsterdam, but this lecture gave me an appreciation of Vermeer that a crowded exhibit could not equal.

P
Paul Rivard (Québec, CA)
A very insightful seminar

Timea’s approach to Vermeer is focused on the interiority of the painter, his beliefs, his character. Beautiful!

C
Charles Disabatino (Hamden, US)
Great talk about an enigmatic artist

This was a wonderful and insightful tour of this artist’s work. The means by which Vermeer achieved the sense of calm and monumentality with seemingly mundane subjects was beautifully brought out. I’ve already signed up for her Matisse talk

Customer Reviews

Based on 7 reviews
71%
(5)
29%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
A
Alette (Amsterdam, NL)
Wonderful!

This is an excellent talk by Dr Lelik with wonderful insights into Vermeer's world. Highly recommended!

A
Anonymous (Dallas, US)

Guest did not leave comment

C
Charlotte (Sunnyvale, US)
Beautiful!

Vermeer is one of my favorite artists. Dr Lelik's lecture was both informative and a meditative experience. Seeing the beautiful paintings and hearing her description of the stillness allowed me to appreciate the paintings at a different level. My brain stepped aside to let me have a feeling experience of the paintings. I am so sad that I cannot go to the Vermeer exhibit in Amsterdam, but this lecture gave me an appreciation of Vermeer that a crowded exhibit could not equal.

P
Paul Rivard (Québec, CA)
A very insightful seminar

Timea’s approach to Vermeer is focused on the interiority of the painter, his beliefs, his character. Beautiful!

C
Charles Disabatino (Hamden, US)
Great talk about an enigmatic artist

This was a wonderful and insightful tour of this artist’s work. The means by which Vermeer achieved the sense of calm and monumentality with seemingly mundane subjects was beautifully brought out. I’ve already signed up for her Matisse talk