Girl with a Red Hat: The Secret Genius of the Vermeer Family

This week on Active Voice Radio we present the story of a groundbreaking discovery in Art of an unknown master painter and perhaps one of the greatest women in art.

Johannes Vermeer is recognized as one of the greatest painting masters, yet like his Dutch contemporary Rembrandt, struggled financially during his life.

Vermeer's eldest daughter Maria was the model for Girl with the Pearl Earring, which has become a modern icon. Maria is also likely the model in Girl with a Red Hat which hangs in the National Gallery in Washington DC.  On Active Voice Radio today Chris Goldstein speaks with Art History Professor Benjamin Binstock about his newly released book Vermeer's Family Secrets: Genius, Discovery, and the Unknown Apprentice.

What Professor Binstock argues in his book is that Girl with a Red Hat may be Maria's portrait, by her own hand.  Maria appears to have been secretly apprenticed in painting by her genius father. Johannes fostered Maria's talent until, Binstock argues, she was able to forge her father's works as a means to pay the family's debts.

Vermeer's works are some of the most studied visual art in the world and these paintings have long been recognized as masterpieces. This also makes them some of the most valued paintings. So what if some of these masterpieces are in fact by an unknown female master? What impact could this have on the history of art and perhaps the value of the paintings themselves?

Professor Binstock's book may have a lasting impact on the Art world, at the same time presenting this fascinating discovery of  Maria Vermeer. It is a story of artists struggling financially, families showing genius, innovation and creativity to survive. It also shows that those struggles can produce some of the greatest art in the world.

Chris Goldstein interviewed Benjamin Binstock on December 11'th 2008

Also included in the program this week is a special FUNNY Christmas song from lounge-master Richard Cheese.
Enjoy!