Hello everyone,
did you read in the news about the discovery of 1,500 paintings by Old Masters found behind the wall in an apartment in Munich?
Here's the article on it: http://world.time.com/2013/11/05/nazi-art-trove-contains-unknown-works-by-masters/In keeping with this great find, I have the pleasure the present another great find, newly arrived on our shelves:
did you read in the news about the discovery of 1,500 paintings by Old Masters found behind the wall in an apartment in Munich?
Here's the article on it: http://world.time.com/2013/11/05/nazi-art-trove-contains-unknown-works-by-masters/In keeping with this great find, I have the pleasure the present another great find, newly arrived on our shelves:
Girl With A Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier
Inspired by Vermeer's painting, this is a beautiful and subtle story of a girl coming to work in Vermeer's house as a servant. Gradually she becomes Vermeer's assistant first in cleaning his studio, later on through understanding his art and eventually through inspiring him to paint the famous portrait. The two become inevitably involved though not as explicitly as you may think and tensions rise in the household. There are many forms of jealousy, possession, and devotion or love, and this author does not need to resort to bodice ripping cliches.
It is one of my favorite books and I have it in my own collection. I first read it because I loved the painting Girl With A Pearl Earring but ever since I read the book, this story seems to be the only explanation for the girl's glance. Chevalier maintains an incredible tension throughout the book and ultimately it is art that holds the power. If you like subtle emotions and unusual plots, this is the one for you.
Inspired by Vermeer's painting, this is a beautiful and subtle story of a girl coming to work in Vermeer's house as a servant. Gradually she becomes Vermeer's assistant first in cleaning his studio, later on through understanding his art and eventually through inspiring him to paint the famous portrait. The two become inevitably involved though not as explicitly as you may think and tensions rise in the household. There are many forms of jealousy, possession, and devotion or love, and this author does not need to resort to bodice ripping cliches.
It is one of my favorite books and I have it in my own collection. I first read it because I loved the painting Girl With A Pearl Earring but ever since I read the book, this story seems to be the only explanation for the girl's glance. Chevalier maintains an incredible tension throughout the book and ultimately it is art that holds the power. If you like subtle emotions and unusual plots, this is the one for you.
Less exciting than the book, but entertaining for the rainy Sunday afternoons to come is the DVD movie Girl With The Pearl Earring. It stars Colin Firth (yummy) and Scarlett Johansson who many of you will know from Woody Allen movies. For me, Scarlett doesn't “do” innocence but I watched the movie when it first came out and I loved the details of the atelier and of the city Delft. I'd be happy to hear from you if you like the film.
For those of you who prefer a thriller, in keeping with the theme, try Iain Pears Giotto's Hand.
You know Iain Pears from Instance Of The Fingerpost and Stone's Fall, two of our library's most popular books. General Bottando of Rome's Art Theft Squad is in trouble: his theory that a single master criminal, dubbed ‘Giotto’, is behind a string of major art thefts has aroused the scorn of his arch enemy and rival, the bureaucrat Corrado Argan. He needs a result, and the confession of a dying woman may just provide the vital clue.
In pursuit of the elusive Giotto, Bottando’s colleague, Flavia di Stefano, sets off hotfoot for Florence, and English art dealer Jonathan Argyll is dispatched to London and then on to rural Norfolk – only to discover a body and a mystery which could lead to the greatest art find of his career…
You know Iain Pears from Instance Of The Fingerpost and Stone's Fall, two of our library's most popular books. General Bottando of Rome's Art Theft Squad is in trouble: his theory that a single master criminal, dubbed ‘Giotto’, is behind a string of major art thefts has aroused the scorn of his arch enemy and rival, the bureaucrat Corrado Argan. He needs a result, and the confession of a dying woman may just provide the vital clue.
In pursuit of the elusive Giotto, Bottando’s colleague, Flavia di Stefano, sets off hotfoot for Florence, and English art dealer Jonathan Argyll is dispatched to London and then on to rural Norfolk – only to discover a body and a mystery which could lead to the greatest art find of his career…
On these rainy afternoons I encourage each of you to gently tap against the walls of your house or flat. Who knows what treasures may lie in wait for you? And if you don't find a masterpiece at your home, then come over to our Library. We have plenty for you there...!
cheers
Your Librarian Anna
