Related external works: Counterpart

Johannes Vermeer: Der Astronom, 1668, Öl auf Leinwand, 51 x 45 cm, Inv.-Nr. R.F. 1983-28, Musée du Louvre, Paris

The Geographer, 1669

Malfläche: 51.6 x 45.4 cm

Physical Description: Oil on canvas

Inventory Number: 1149

Acquisition: Acquired in 1885

Status: On display, 2nd upper level, Old Masters, room 7

Texts

About the Work

The geographer has just been measuring distances on a map with his compass; now, he pauses for thought. The globe and the map on the wall represent the state of the art of cartography, which the Netherlands pioneered. The former features Europe’s coastlines, the latter the Indian Ocean, an important body of water for the country’s maritime-trade-based economy. Yet the work is neither a portrait nor does it tell a story. With painterly means, Vermeer endeavoured to capture the moment in which the geographer surveys the world in his mind.

Audio & Video

Basic information

01:18
Focus on cultural history

01:40
Focus on material

02:03
Highlights of the Städel Collection

02:18

KunstIStück – Johannes Vermeer: Der Geograf

Sammlungshighlights des Städel Museums in unterhaltsamen und informativen Filmen – das sind die Kunst|Stücke. Entdecken Sie spannende Details zu Kunstwerken aus ungewöhnlichen Blickwinkeln in unter zwei Minuten. Johannes Vermeer: Der Geograf (1669), Städel Museum, Frankfurt am Main. https://sammlung.staedelmuseum.de/de/werk/der-geograf#yt

Work Data

Basic Information

Title: The Geographer

Painter

Johannes Vermeer

Period Produced

17th century

School

Baroque

Object Type

painting (artwork)

Physical Description: Oil on canvas

Material

canvas

Technique

Label at the Time of Manufacture: Signiert auf der rechten oberen Füllung der Schranktür: IMeer., (Buchstabe I in das M mittig eingestellt)
Signiert und datiert oben rechts an der Wand: I.Ver-Meer / MDCLXVIIII