The painting View of Delft by Johannes Vermeer is considered one of the iconic views of the Dutch city’s skyline. The painting shows a view from the south and measures around two feet high and nearly three feet wide. The painting is currently on display in the Mauritshuis museum in The Hague.
Vermeer depicted the town with light-colored building, surrounded by darker brick edifices, with an even mix of navy, orange and yellow rooftops. While it lacks architectural details, some historians argue that it appears to be centered on the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church). Some elements can be identified: Stadhuis or town hall located at left called Spanjaardsgat, and at right de Waag at foreground.
Vermeer was able to crystallize both details and atmosphere in View Of Delft through broad brush strokes, utilizing muted colors and soft sfumato touches for a more naturalistic look — a style which defined his approach in other works such as The Milkmaid (c. 1658–60). By capturing everyday life without relying on details but evoking movement, Vermeer enabled his viewers to discover the places he illustrated through appreciation and interpretation.
