Old and new masters

The Vermeer exhibition was, as expected, spectacular. Most of the 35 paintings attributed to Vermeer were on display (as never before and probably never again). Unfortunately, Girl with a Pearl Earring - on loan from the Mauritshuis in The Hauge in February and March - was not among the works on display when I visited… but there were plenty of others pearl-adorned women to admire.

What that man could do with light! The importance it light itself, particularly daylight, is in and of itself a subject in his works (the obvious example is Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window). His play with light is subtle but breathtaking. There are better commentators than me on the subject of Vermeer (and light) so click on the link in the paragraph above to see and read what I saw and read (without the crowds).

There are three other museums within spitting distance of the Rijksmuseum and I visited two of the three (no chance of getting into the Van Gogh Museum which, like Anne Frank House, was sold out weeks in advance). The Moco and Stedelijk museums proved to be an unexpected treat.

Moco holds a large collection of works by Banksy which, along with select works by Damien Hirst, Andy Warhol, Kaws and The Kid, is very much in keeping with the founders’ vision for the museum.

We want the world so enlightened, that peace and unity is inevitable. We represent the voice of the street and we trust in art as the amazing vehicle to help get us there.

The Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam is also a contemporary art museum (20th and 21st century) and has a surprising number of works by women artist from the first half of last century. One highlight for me (there are too many to bore you with) was a work by Elaine Sturtevant. Though produced in 1969 (Paris), Raysse High Voltage Painting, could have been created yesterday.