First as Vermeer masterpiece on show in Scotland
ART lovers can see a painting by the Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer for the first time in Scotland this summer. A free display opened yesterday at National Galleries Scotland in Edinburgh as part of the National Treasures celebration, which marks the bicentenary of the National Gallery in London.
Twelve of their most iconic paintings are being lent to partners across the UK.
It is the first time A Young Woman Standing At A Virginal has been on show in Scotland. The stunning artwork will be shown alongside Scotland’s own Vermeer, Christ In The House Of Martha And Mary, one of the artist’s earliest paintings, until September 8.
With only some 36 known works in the world by Vermeer, the National Galleries of Scotland is one of only 18 galleries worldwide to hold one in their collection and Christ In The House Of Martha and Mary is the only Vermeer in a Scottish collection.
National Treasures: Vermeer in Edinburgh presents a chance to compare a later Vermeer work with one of the artist’s earliest surviving paintings. His early and later works differ greatly in subject matter, as the artist moved from painting history to capturing everyday scenes.
Nearly all Vermeer’s works depict young women in calm, orderly domestic interiors, often playing musical instruments.
A Young Woman Standing At A Virginal, from about 1670–2, depicts the subject standing with her hands on a keyboard, with a painting on the wall behind her depicting a naked Cupid.
National Galleries of Scotland director-general Anne Lyden said: “It is so exciting to be able to exhibit two Vermeer paintings, never seen in Scotland together before, alongside our wonderful collection.
“What a fantastic opportunity for visitors to the National this summer to see these two rare works at the same time. We would like to say congratulations to the National Gallery in London on their bicentenary and are thrilled to be a part of their fantastic programme of celebrations.”