After Belgium, I moved on to the Netherlands. I met up with my former roommate and good friend Lina by a canal in Delft and we strolled into the old town, rode a ferris wheel in the last rays of sunshine before the rain – the beautiful rooftops of central Delft drenched in a golden light.
After: Having the creamiest of chocolate ice creams as appetizer and then beers and fries at Lina’s favorite pub. Walking through the streets, by the canals, in the dark and rain, I could fully understand why Lina wanted to move here.
The next day, we went to The Hague to see some Dutch golden age art: Mauritshuis. Rembrandt, Vermeer, Rubens. [Above: Two pieces by Vermeer, “View of Delft” and the famous “Girl with a Pearl Earring”]
The incredible detail, knowledge of light and shadow, composition, symbolism. It is incredible. Who takes the time to develop that kind of skill today? The patience and practice that it must have required, I’m not sure there is the time for it in today’s fast-paced and digital society. Time is such a luxury. The detail in these paintings was breathtaking. [Above: “The Goldfinch” by Carel Fabritius, “Vase of Flowers” by Jan Davidsz de Heem, and “Man Offering Money to a Young Woman” by Judith Leyster]
Otherwise, The Hague was not at all as cozy as Delft. But the Dutch really know their art.
Katja Malmborg 