Frans van Mieris

In just over five weeks' time, the paintings of Frans van Mieris (1635-1681) will fill the galleries of the Mauritshuis. It is the first major comprehensive exhibition of the painter known as the best representative of Dutch fijnschilders, or ‘fine painters’.

In his often small paintings, which are extremely precise, detailed and pinpoint sharp, he manages to create an incredibly perfect depiction of reality. Apart from being an exceptionally skilled craftsman, Van Mieris is also a storyteller in paint, the master whose fine feeling enables him to capture human interactions in paint.

The exhibition consists of 38 paintings and 7 drawings, and is being organised in association with Dr Otto Naumann, Van Mieris expert par excellence, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington.

The exhibition has been made possible in part by the exclusive sponsor NIBCapital and the Friends of the Mauritshuis Foundation.

Set-up Set up on the ground floor, the exhibition covers four rooms of the museum. Within the chronological arrangement is a separate arrangement based on theme and motif. On one of the walls, for example, there are three paintings (from different years) in which love letters play the leading role. The drawings that were intended as preliminary sketches will hang next to the finished painting. Some of the preliminary sketches shed light on the genesis of Van Mieris’ work.

Film Van Mieris’ paintings and drawings are extremely small, so you really have to get up close. The closer you are, the more you see, although the brush strokes are often invisible to the naked eye. The film entitled Verfijning op de millimeter (Finelining down to the millimetre) shows how Van Mieris was able to achieve the effect he wanted: the light gleaming so dazzlingly on a red velvet cloak, the hairs of a beard so lifelike. The film, which lasts about eight minutes, will be shown every day at no extra charge and provides a glimpse of life behind the easel of a fine painter.

Catalogue The exhibition will be accompanied by an extensive catalogue containing full-colour illustrations of all paintings and drawings, complete with details of the works. The catalogue also comprises essays on Van Mieris’ life story and on the development and appreciation of his oeuvre, written by Otto Naumann, Eddy de Jongh, Quentin Buvelot and others. Published by Uitgeverij Waanders.

Frans van Mieris der Ältere
Painted Perfection