Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) lived and worked in Delft. The artist is famous all over the world for his introverted portrayals of calm domestic scenes, the unparalleled clarity and colour of his light, and his convincing use of illusionism. Vermeer (unlike Rembrandt, for example) left behind only a very small body of work – there are just 37 known works by the artist. The digital experience supports the largest Vermeer exhibition ever, which will take place in the Rijksmuseum from 10 February to 4 June 2023. There are more Vermeers to view online than in the gallery.

Closer to Johannes Vermeer

The digital experience Closer to Johannes Vermeer transports visitors into the artist’s universe, packed with fascinating stories and facts about Vermeer and his work. This interactive journey of discovery includes all 28 Vermeer paintings in the Rijksmuseum exhibition plus the nine additional works attributed to the artist. Available in English (narrated by Stephen Fry) and Dutch (narrated by Joy Delima).

Zoom in on details and themes

Where in other experiences the focus is often on individual works, here it is on the overview of the various works next to each other. The Vermeer experience juxtaposes the paintings in different ways by applying movement and specific cut-outs, so that you as a visitor can discover Vermeer's themes. The experience also offers a rare opportunity to compare recurring motives throughout Vermeer’s paintings: such as pearls, yellow jackets, curtains, maps and the use of the ultramarine. In addition, you will also discover the different emotions of stillness and wonder in the groups of paintings. From the first moment, the movement provides a telling story, in which the User Interface can quickly fade into the background.

Ultra high resolutions photographs

Several of the Vermeer paintings can now be viewed at a resolution of 5 micrometer. Each pixel represents an area of 5 micrometres or 0.005mm square. The same technology is used that enabled the Rijksmuseum in 2022 to take the most detailed ever photograph of an art work (Rembrandt’s The Night Watch). Online visitors can now zoom in on Vermeer’s paintings and view even the minutest particles of pigment in ultra-sharp detail.

Get started yourself

Visitors can compare paintings themselves, look for similarities and details in Vermeer's work and create and share their own Vermeer story.

The website can be viewed at Rijksmuseum.nl/en/Johannes-Vermeer. The site was designed by Fabrique and built by digital product studio Q42. Both agencies have been working successfully with the Rijksmuseum for 20 years. The online experience Closer to Johannes Vermeer has been made possible in part by KPN.