Johannes Vermeer, Girl with a Pearl Earring, 1665
Thursday, September 5, 2024
7:30 PM
“Art is a mirror held up to the society which birthed it, a whisper from long ago history. It is a code message sent to a timeless future: this is who we were; what we believed; what we valued.”
Art must be placed within its historic context; this first lecture will examine Dutch economic, political, and religious factors in a search for clues to explain how such artistic genius flourished in this time and place. An overarching factor is 17th century Holland’s uniqueness within the European experience. It becomes the first Protestant nation, and its long, ultimately victorious war of independence from Spain frees the Dutch from the only power structures Europe had ever known—King and Church. Power now comes from Holland’s maritime empire and spreads laterally to a solid middle class that reaps immense riches–a wealth that was funneled into art patronage. (There were more artists than bakers in mid-century Amsterdam.)
About Linda Blair:
Linda Blair has taught art history for many years, at the La Jolla Athenaeum and UC San Diego Osher; she was a docent at The Cloisters. She holds a BA from Mills College and an MA from USD. She is an active volunteer at UC San Diego, dedicated to raising scholarship funds.
Tickets: $16/21
The lecture will be in person at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. There are no physical tickets for this event. Your name will be on an attendee list at the front door. Doors open at 7 p.m. Seating is first-come; first-served. This event will be presented in compliance with State of California and County of San Diego health regulations as applicable at the time of the lecture.