Johannes Vermeer (1632 1675) is one of the world s most captivating artists. Renowned for his sublimely beautiful depictions of everyday Dutch life, Vermeer created exquisite paintings that are sought out by any art lover. Music was a key facet of 17th-century Dutch life, in both public and private. Of Vermeer sthirty-sixsurviving paintings, twelve depict musical themes or a musical instrument. These include the magnificent "Young Woman Standing at a Virginal," "Young Woman Seated at a Virginal," "The Music Lesson," and "The Guitar Player," all featured in this book.

The book also...