The Guitar Player (c. 1672) by Jan Vermeer

The Guitar Player - Jan Vermeer - c.1670 - c.1672

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Artwork Information

TitleThe Guitar Player
ArtistJan Vermeer
Datec.1670 - c.1672
MediumOil on Canvas
Dimensions53 x 46.3 cm
Art MovementBaroque
Current LocationKenwood House, London, UK
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About The Guitar Player

Johannes Vermeer’s “The Guitar Player” is a glowing masterpiece painted by the Dutch artist in c. 1672. One of Vermeer’s final artistic activities, this painting showcases his mastery of painting techniques and approaches. The striking use of color and light give it a radiant quality that immerses the viewer in the scene.

Vermeer used a surprisingly limited palette to achieve such depth and range of colors in his paintings. His deliberate brushstrokes reveal inventive methods of applying paint to canvas, creating an effect that looks almost photographic. The painting depicts a young woman beaming with joy as she concentrates on playing her guitar, surrounded by luxurious fabric folds that add texture to the scene.

Alongside “Girl With a Pearl Earring” and “The Music Lesson,” “The Guitar Player” is one of Vermeer’s most famous works. Known for his realistic style, use of color and light, as well as inventive brush technique, he only produced a few dozen paintings during his career due to each piece’s incredible level of detail.

While the artwork was on display at Kenwood House until 1974 when it was stolen; fortunately, it has since been recovered but currently resides in private ownership today. Despite its limited availability for public viewing nowadays, “The Guitar Player” remains an influential work celebrated for its technical expertise in Dutch Golden Age painting.

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