Vermeer's Hat

Vermeer uses open windows in several of his paintings to heighten the effects of light; he is famous for his use of light. These windows are open at different angles depending on the mood of the painting and what Vermeer is trying to convey. Interestingly, the world beyond the window is never seen in Vermeer’s paintings. With Brook’s book, the reader comes to understand that Vermeer is adept at providing information on the larger world despite there being no glimpse of it from the windows. In Young Woman Reading a Letter at an Open Window, Vermeer conveys the tension on the young woman’s face and connects it to the open window. Presumably, her lover is somewhere out in the world that cannot be seen. Though they are far apart, the open window shows that they are still connected. Vermeer’s open windows invite connection to the wider world.

Vermeer was born in Delft and spent his life in the city. Ironically, none of his work can be seen in Delft. Brook makes note of the fact that, though Vermeer’s work cannot be seen in Delft, Delft can be seen in Vermeer’s work. Art historians generally agree that Vermeer’s famous use of light might have come from the way light fell on buildings in Delft.