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Publishing Group makes every effort to have all our titles available on this program
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The Vermeer Interviews : Conversations with Seven Works of Art
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by Bob Raczka
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Series: Bob Raczka's Art Adventures
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In this innovative look at seven paintings by Jan Vermeer, author Bob Raczka takes on the role of interviewer and the people in the paintings become his willing subjects. From The Milkmaid to The Geographer, Raczka teases out fascinating details about these gorgeous works of art and their mysterious creator.
As you might imagine, after more than three hundred years of silence, the characters inside these paintings have much to share.
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Reading Level:
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Grade 4
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Interest Level:
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Grades 3-12
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Ages:
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8-18
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Copyright:
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©2009
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Imprint:
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Millbrook Press
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Trim Size:
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8 x 10
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Pages:
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32
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ATOS:
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5.1
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Points:
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1.0
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Quiz:
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127437
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Lexile:
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740
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SRC Level:
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4.5
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Book Features
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Full-Color Reproductions of Artwork • Jacketed
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ISBN-10:
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0-8225-9402-1
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ISBN-13:
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978-0-8225-9402-4
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Format:
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Library Bound
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List Price:
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$ 25.26
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S&L Price*:
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$ 18.95
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• Book Links Lasting Connection
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Reviewed by: |
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The Horn Book Guide, Library Media Connection, School Library Journal, VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates) |
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Review Excerpts: |
- "This slim series volume discusses seven of Vermeer's most famous works of art in a unique and memorable format. Raczka stages conversational interviews with the subjects of each of these memorable paintings to reveal details about the works and Vermeer himself. For example, by interviewing the woman in the painting 'Woman in Blue Reading a Letter,' the reader eventually surmises that the woman is actually Vermeer's wife and wonders if the letter is from Vermeer himself. These conversations reveal the mysteries hidden within the works in an engaging way that young readers will find enjoyable. A short introduction provides background information on Vermeer and his techniques. In the painting 'The Artist in His Studio,' which has been called Vermeer's self-portrait, the interview is with artist himself. The reader is left to wonder whether the artist is Vermeer by his references to him being called 'The Sphinx of Delft.' Illustrations and the paintings themselves are reproduced in lovely detail. This wonderful art reference is suitable for any school or public library. A student studying Vermeer might just be intrigued enough by this reference to read more about the artist and his works."
--VOYA
- "In this clever art history book, Raczka makes Johannes Vermeer's masterpieces accessible by employing an interview format. Clearly stating that these 'conversations' are 'as imagined' by the author, 'Bob' asks the subjects of seven paintings a series of questions about themselves and their surroundings, allowing them to give details about the art techniques, historical context, and cultural elements. Large reproductions of the works are featured, as are photos of relevant sculptures and tools. Raczka avoids editorializing in the interview format, which is a feat; the text provides straightforward analysis and information. The language used by the figures in the paintings is modern, which can be disconcerting at times, but the interviewees come across as lively individuals. The tone throughout remains light and conversational, as readers are encouraged to think about the details and stories found in each work of art. While Mike Venezia's Johannes Vermeer (Children's Press, 2002) contains more paintings, Raczka goes into more detail about the works themselves; his book is more art critique than biography. It will be useful for children learning about Vermeer, the time period in which he lived, and art critique in general."
--School Library Journal
- "The author carries on clever dialogs with the subjects of seven of Vermeer's paintings in this original work. We gain new insights into the artist's purposeful placement of objects, portrayal of light and dark, and details within the paintings. Paintings include The Milkmaid, The Geographer, The Artist in His Studio, Woman in Blue Reading a Letter, Woman with a Water Jug, Woman with a Pearl Necklace, and The Music Lesson. Text is enhanced by high quality photographs (such as sheet music and the virginal music box), maps, letters, photo of sculpture, and some of Vermeer's related paintings. Pages seem to be pieces of parchment, bordered in blue. This is both a visual treat and an intellectual stimulation. Many of Vermeer's unique and mysterious qualities are highlighted here, and readers will come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of his talent and work after reading this book. Recommended."
--Library Media Connection
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*The S&L price is available only to school and library customers and reflects a 25% discount off hardcovers only.
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