Art, Meditation, and Medical Practice: Johannes Vermeer's The Geographer

Art therapy is often used to help to restore a sense of well being in people who are suffering from psychological stress or turmoil. We can experience similar benefits, while at the same time developing a deeper appreciation of our patients as fellow complex human beings, though the mindful experience of art.

Girl with Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer, ca.1665; credit Mauritshuis, The Hague

Johannes Vermeer was a Dutch painter in the 1600s. He is particularly known for his interior scenes that depict everyday life in his world. The Girl with a Pearl Earring is probably the most famous of his works. In 1999, a book by the same name, exploring the fictional life of the girl depicted, was published. In 2003, it was made into a movie.

 Sadly, Vermeer was not well recognized or appreciated during his lifetime, and he struggled financially. Vermeer died at the age of 43, leaving his wife with 11 children to care for. The cause of death is unclear, but it was said that stress played a role. Today, only 34 of Vermeer’s paintings are known to exist.  

As a physician, a fine art photographer, and a teacher of mindfulness, I am drawn to Vermeer’s paintings because of his strong connection to his subjects, and his emphasis on their humanity.

Johannes Vermeer, The Geographer, ca: 1669; Image credit Städel Museum, Frankfurt am Main

As a photographer, Vermeer's The Geographer calls to me for its almost photographic frame of reference. This is not surprising, given Vermeer's use of the camera obscura, an early form of photographic projection that creates an image on a wall. As in an un-posed photograph capturing a moment in time, The Geographer appears to be unaware of the painter, and engrossed in his thoughts.  

Vermeer uses the light and shadowing to shape the space of the gentleman's study, creating a strong left-to-right diagonal perspective. Diagonals are important in art, because they often suggest action and energy.

Your eye might first notice the illuminated face of the man, then it may travel from left to right as the line of the light echoes the diagonal of his desk, the movement of the shadow behind the cabinet and even the pattern of tapestry that is draped over the table. The instrument he casually holds in his hand repeats this same diagonal and intentional feeling. 

The Geographer's face is illuminated in much the same way as the globe above him, and his Japanese style robe tells a story of a man who has a wide and diverse experience of life.  

The colors in this painting serve to unify the composition and create a soft sense of boundary in which this man lives and works. The gorgeous oranges and blues, as complementary colors, create a lush and intimate feeling. We see them in his robe, the tapestry, the small chair in the background, and in the shade of the light entering the room.  

In color theory, blue evokes the mind, reflection, serenity, and the intellectual, while yellow is a color of creativity and confidence. The orange speaks of passion, but perhaps of frustration as well. And the soft brown conjures nature and quiet. 

The variety of textures in the textiles and furniture elevates the sense of intimacy and deepens the richness of these colors. There is a sense of balance between the foreground and the background, holding The Geographer in the middle of the painting, and setting him firmly in the world.

Experiencing art mindfully

Art can be a way to access mindful exploration. Sometimes this is called slow looking. You don’t have to be an expert in art or a mindfulness practitioner. Even just a few minutes with a work of art can allow your mind to clear and give you space to create a sense of connection to another human being. The Geographer is a perfect stepping off point for this kind of exploration.

To drop into a meditative mindset, allow the experience of Vermeer’s painting to guide you into a sense of tranquility and space. Notice your breath as you spend time with this work of art, paying attention to your slow inhales and exhales. Feel your body loosen, even just a little.

Of course, you don’t have to turn to the Old Masters to experience the meditative power of art. If you’ve ever lost yourself in a song, you know that to be true. Abstract art, photography, sculpture—all can be portals to mindful exploration.

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An earlier version of this article originally appeared on this site in July 2022.

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