about The Essential Vermeer

Technically speaking, in 5 years the Essential Vermeer has grown from a simple one-page list of Vermeer websites and publications to the most complete site dedicated to an individual artist on the internet with over 5,000 web objects: 500 plus individual web pages, thousands of  links, more than 3,000 images and 200 audio files.

More importantly, it has become a place where I have done my best to present an organic and objective overview of Vermeer's art, life and times, a place where both Vermeer newcomers and longtime Vermeer enthusiasts can hopefully find food for thought and the information they require, efficiently. It has become a place where information on all the latest exhibitions, conferences and publications about Vermeer can be comfortably located, any time, day or night. And it is also becoming a bridge towards the most recent developments in world-wide Vermeer scholarship.

Maintaining the highest degree of historical accuracy and objectivity, while continuing to expand the site's depth and breadth, is fundamental. My desire is not to express my own thoughts and feelings in regards to Vermeer's life and work, but rather to faithfully reflect those of others more favorably inclined. Since I am a painter by profession, I have limited my personal considerations to the more technical aspects of Vermeer's paintings: that's where I really feel somewhat more at home.

I hope that my readers will not shy away from expressing their personal ideas and feelings regarding Vermeer, they are warmly welcomed. In fact, I consider my readers are my most valuable resource. Many of the best pages on this site where inspired by their comments and suggestions.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

Jonathan Janson