CLOSE TO VERMEER
Award-winning director Suzanne Raes gives us a unique insight into the realization of the largest Vermeer exhibition ever.
SYNOPSIS
In CLOSE TO VERMEER, award-winning director Suzanne Raes gives us a unique insight into the realization of the largest Vermeer exhibition ever. She films Rijksmuseum curators Gregor Weber and Pieter Roelofs and conservators Abbie Vandivere and Anna Krekeler in their mission to shine a new light on Johannes Vermeer. For although The Milkmaid and Girl with a Pearl Earring are world-famous, we know little about the painter himself. No self-portraits, no letters, no notes; a small oeuvre is all that the Dutch Master left behind.
This fascinating documentary shows everything from the quiet diplomacy required to get the Vermeers to the Netherlands and the new knowledge gained by scanning the paintings layer by layer, to the shocking world news that one work may not be by Vermeer after all. Slowly we discover how Vermeer was able to depict reality so differently from his contemporaries.
But above all, Close to Vermeer shows the infectious love of the curators and other protagonists for Vermeer’s art. As Weber lovingly puts it, “A good exhibition should change your view of the world. Vermeer can really do that.”
Director
Suzanne Raes
WITH
Run Time
1 hour, 18 minutes
Released
May 26, 2023
Distributed by
Kino Lorber
HEARING AND VISUAL ASSISTANCE
Assisted Listening
Subtitled/Open Captions
Country
Netherlands
SUBTITLES
Dutch and English with English Subtitles
NOT RATED
Many of the films shown at The Ross are not rated due to the prohibitive cost of acquiring a rating from the Motion Picture Association of America. Consequently, as many of these films contain graphic content, viewer discretion is advised.
SHOWINGS
SEPT 15 | FRI
5:00, 7:00, 9:00 p.m.
SEPT 16 | SAT
1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:00, 9:00 p.m.
SEPT 17 | SUN
1:00, 5:00, 7:00 p.m.
SEPT 18 | MON
5:00, 7:00 p.m.
SEPT 19 | TUE
5:00, 7:00 p.m.
SEPT 20 | WED
5:00, 7:00 p.m.
SEPT 21 | THU
5:00, 7:00 p.m.
REVIEWS
“A new perspective on the curator’s calling, and the work of Vermeer himself.”
“Close to Vermeer understands that great art isn’t just about the work itself – the craft, innovative techniques, and influence; it’s about the feelings a painting provokes in the individual observing it.”
“A gentle, thoughtful documentary, populated by knowledgeable individuals.”