Close to Vermeer
Go behind the scenes at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam for Vermeer, the largest exhibition of works by Johannes Vermeer ever mounted. Capturing the imagination of the art world—with glowing reviews, global publicity, and tickets sold out through the entirety of its run—the retrospective (on view February 10 to June 4, 2023) was nothing short of a historic event. This fascinating documentary follows curators, conservators, collectors, and experts in their joint mission to shine a new light on the elusive Dutch Master.
Close to Vermeer reveals everything from the quiet diplomacy required to get the Vermeer works to the Netherlands to the shocking news that one painting may not actually be by Vermeer. Above all, the film shows the infectious love Vermeer’s art inspires. As one curator lovingly puts it: “A good exhibition should change your view of the world. Vermeer can really do that.”
The MFAH film department is supported by Tenaris; The June Leaf and Robert Frank Foundation; the Vaughn Foundation; The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea; Nina and Michael Zilkha; Franci Neely; Carrin Patman and Jim Derrick; Ms. Laurence Unger; L′Alliance Française de Houston; and ILEX Foundation.
Close to Vermeer
Directed by Suzanne Raes
(Netherlands, 2023, 78 minutes, in English and Dutch with English subtitles)
Brown Auditorium Theater, Digital