The Procuress (Vermeer)

Johannes Vermeer - The Procuress - Google Art Project

The Procuress is a famous oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Johannes Vermeer, created in 1656. It is currently housed in the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister in Dresden, Germany. The painting is notable for its depiction of a scene of 17th-century Dutch society, where a woman, identified as a procuress, is shown receiving money from a man, who is engaging with a young woman. This work is often discussed in the context of Vermeer's exploration of morality, vice, and virtue.

Description

The painting measures 143 cm × 130 cm (56.3 in × 51.2 in) and is executed in oil on canvas. It depicts a dimly lit interior scene where three figures are engaged in a transactional moment. The central figure is a young woman, dressed in a yellow jacket, who looks out towards the viewer with a neutral expression. To her right, a man, presumably a client, is shown inserting a coin into the hand of an older woman, the procuress, who is identified by her garish attire and knowing look. The inclusion of a lute in the scene has been interpreted as a symbol of the sensual pleasures or the transient nature of love.

Themes and Interpretation

The theme of procuring was not uncommon in Dutch genre painting of the time, serving as a moral warning against the perils of loose morality. Vermeer's treatment of the subject, however, is noted for its subtlety and complexity. The artist's use of light, composition, and color enhances the narrative and emotional depth of the scene, inviting viewers to contemplate the moral dimensions of the depicted actions.

Provenance and History

The provenance of The Procuress is well-documented. It was first recorded in the collection of Jacob Dissius, a son-in-law of Vermeer, in 1696. Over the centuries, it passed through various hands before being acquired by the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister in Dresden in the early 18th century, where it remains to this day.

Influence and Legacy

The Procuress has been influential in the study of Vermeer's oeuvre, offering insights into his thematic interests and his techniques. The painting is often compared with other works by Vermeer that explore similar themes of love, morality, and transactional relationships. It also serves as a valuable example of the genre painting of the Dutch Golden Age, reflecting the social and moral preoccupations of the period.

See Also

• Dutch Golden Age painting
• Genre painting
• Johannes Vermeer
• Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister