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In the stillness of early morning light, the towers, roofs, and walls of Delft stretch across Vermeer's imposing view of the city. Beyond the darkly weathered city walls and fortress like gates that guard the entrance to Delft, Light falls on the orange tile roofs of the houses and the tower of the Nieuwe Kerk as though life were awakening within the city if not without. Although several figures stand and converse near a transport boat on the near shore of the harbor the city, and a few are seen walking on the quay on the far shore, their forms are no less quiet and subdues than the walls themselves. The painting tells no story, describes no event, and does not even allow access to the town. Yet it is one of the most memorable city views ever created.
Excerpt taken from
Vermeer & the Art of Painting
by Arthur K. Wheelock Jr |
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