John Dietrich to Johannes Vermeer

I’ve had this little gray chair for as long as I can remember. It was first given to my grandmother when she was a child, and she later passed it on to me—making it a true family heirloom and a definite antique. In front of it rests a small stack of old books, including John Dietrich and Other Tales of Germany, which was one of the treasured books I purchased from Nevermore Used Books many years ago.

The vintage Delft porcelain ceramic depicts a boy and girl picking grapes. Delft is also the birthplace of Johannes Vermeer, one of the great Dutch Masters and a true master of light — an artist I deeply admire. 

In many of his masterpieces, Johannes Vermeer includes books not as the focus, but as meaningful presences—subtle, symbolic foundations that enrich the story of the moment. Key examples include The Art of Painting (Clio holds a history book), The Geographer (open book/folios), and The Allegory of Faith (book on a table). 

From time to time,  I've enjoyed searching through the Vemeer interactive catalogue. In searching, I learned a few years back, there was a Reality TV Show where artists competed to paint Vermeer's Lost Masterpieces. What a treat that must have been to watch.

One of my favorite works of Vermeer's is The Little Street (c. 1657–1658) as I love how he captures an intimate, everyday moment: a woman seated in a doorway while children play out front. There’s something timeless and quietly beautiful in that scene.