#Delfie

Tag: Artist

  • M.C. Escher

    M.C. Escher

    Maurits Cornelis Escher (M.C. Escher) and Delft

    Maurits Cornelis Escher (1898–1972) is one of the world’s most famous graphic artists, known for his intricate and mathematically inspired prints. Although born in Leeuwarden, Escher had a notable connection to Delft that influenced his early academic and artistic development.

    Escher’s Time in Delft

    Escher enrolled in 1918 at the Technical College of Delft (now TU Delft) to study architecture. However, his studies there faced challenges, partly due to health issues and difficulties with the curriculum. With the advice of a professor, he shifted his focus toward graphic arts, leading him to pursue an artistic career rather than architecture.

    Though his architecture course in Delft was not a success, the city played a key role in Escher’s formative years. About 20 years later, Escher made an important artistic contribution to Delft through a government commission.

    Woodcuts of Delft

    In December 1938, Escher received a government commission to create ten woodcuts depicting various views of Delft for a book publication. Although the book was never published, Escher produced the woodcuts, which remain unique as the only series he made focusing on a Dutch city.

    In spring 1939, Escher frequently traveled by tram from his parents’ home in The Hague to Delft. He explored the city, making drawings of major landmarks such as:

    • Oostpoort (the eastern city gate),
    • Nieuwe Kerk (New Church),
    • Oude Kerk (Old Church),
    • Town Hall,
    • and the Markt (marketplace).

    With rare permission, Escher even climbed the tower of the Oude Kerk to gain higher vantage points. These sketches were then transformed into woodcuts during the summer of 1939 in Ukkel, Belgium.

    Two notable woodcuts from this series include views of:

    • The Grote Markt (central square) seen from the Nieuwe Kerk tower,
    • The Renaissance-style Town Hall viewed from the south.

    Legacy and Recognition

    Though Escher is best known for his impossible constructions and mathematically inspired work, these Delft woodcuts represent a special part of his oeuvre, capturing the historic urban character of the city. They highlight Escher’s skill with architectural subjects and his meticulous approach to detail.

    Today, these woodcuts are appreciated by both art lovers and Delft locals as a unique artistic homage to the city. They contribute to the cultural heritage of Delft and reflect the lasting connection between Escher and the city’s historic environment.

    If desired, the woodcuts can be viewed in museums or as reproductions linked to Delft’s art history.

  • Johannes Vermeer

    Johannes Vermeer

    Johannes Vermeer was a Dutch painter born in Delft, Netherlands, in October 1632, and he died there in December 1675. He is celebrated as one of the greatest painters of the Dutch Golden Age, renowned especially for his intimate domestic interior scenes depicting middle-class life. His art is distinguished by its masterful use of light, meticulous detail, and serene compositions reflecting quiet moments often involving women engaged in daily chores or private activities.

    Vermeer produced relatively few paintings—about 36 are universally attributed to him—due in part to his slow, careful working method and the expensive materials he used. His most famous works include “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” “The Milkmaid,” “The Concert,” and “View of Delft.” Despite his current fame, Vermeer was moderately successful in his lifetime, mostly recognized locally, and spent much of his career as an art dealer in addition to being a painter.

    He married Catherina Bolnes, a Catholic woman, and converted to her faith. The couple lived with her mother and had 15 children, though some died young. Vermeer also held respected positions in his community, including serving as the head of the Delft Guild of Saint Luke, a professional association for painters.

    Vermeer’s life was marked by financial difficulties, especially after the Dutch economy suffered greatly following the French invasion of 1672. He died heavily indebted at age 43. His artistic legacy languished in obscurity for nearly two centuries until a 19th-century revival brought him international acclaim. Today, his paintings are treasured worldwide for their luminosity and timeless portrayal of 17th-century Dutch life.