ikon vermeer

I visited the Fitzwilliam in Cambridge on several occasions in December. On any day of the week it is a peaceful place that will make you feel at ease with the world. These visits were quite special for me though. The Fitzwilliam had in its possession, for a short time, the work of Johannes Vermeer.

For me, approaching those doors, was a likened to a child at the gates of Willy Wonkas Chocolate Factory. The room was so quiet and yet full to capacity. People silently standing, and gazing. Vermeer was also joined by the beautiful work of Gerard ter Borch and Jacob Ochtervelt to name two. It is true I have always had a love affair with the Dutch Masters. The paintings are so rich and deep. The darkness compliments the striking figures and takes your breath away.

It is well known that Vermeer was never a wealthy man, however incomparable his work was. He produced relatively little, but this is quite excusable given the quality of what he did create. His subjects come alive and reach out to you through the canvas.

You see Vermeer's work and feel instantly captivated. It is a wonderful thing to experience given the opportunity. The last piece before the exit, it seems, was the exhibitions Grand Finale. Just beside the door, a delicate petite figure, surrounded by people. The Lacemaker. I waited patiently, listening intently to the comments of others. This piece is very much the moment when a scene that, to some, is quite unremarkable is made phenomenal by the interpretive hand of a genius.

This genius is so rare, however, thanks to good people who accept the responsibility to care for the art that we enjoy in places such as the Fitzwilliam, it remains beautifully preserved.

This extraordinary collection is on loan to the Fitzwilliam until 15th January 2012. If you should happen to be in this area, you should visit. No matter where you live though, when we see a beautiful piece of art, we should stop and truly take the time to appreciate it and the artist who created it. It is the least we can do for all the joy they have given us.