Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Benjamin Moser chats about forgotten Dutch masters, productive Rembrandt, special Kunstmuseum, Dutch social tolerance tensions, Clarice Lispector appreciation, Houston's cultural scene, and more in a captivating podcast episode.
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Quick takeaways
Vermeer's legacy faced challenges due to limited works and forgeries, Dutch art transitioned from Golden Age grandeur to modernism, Brazilian modernism masked social issues with aesthetics.
Deep dives
Dutch Masters and Catholic Influence
Discussions revolve around Dutch master artists, particularly Vermeer's conversion to Catholicism and his Catholic paintings, notably 'The Art of Painting'. The shift in Vermeer's style is highlighted, transitioning from large, allegorical works to smaller, more iconic pieces.
Challenges of Recognizing Vermeer's Art
Vermeer's recognition faced obstacles, including limited paintings due to his early death, with most acquired by a single individual. The narrative mentions the rediscovery of Dutch artists' works and the notable forger Han van Meegeren, who successfully imitated Vermeer's style, reflecting on the perception of renowned artworks.
Dutch Art Evolution and Historical Context
The evolution of Dutch art through the 17th and 18th centuries is explained, displaying a transition from the grandeur of the Golden Age to post-World War II modernist works. Insight into the Dutch focus on visual and design elements is contrasted to Latin American interviewing challenges due to historical contexts, fostering understanding of cultural nuances in art and society.
Brazil's Obsession with Modernism
Brazil's relentless pursuit of modernism stemmed from a deep-rooted desire to join the modern world and project a new identity. Brazilian intellectuals viewed art and architecture as vehicles for creating a distinct national image. However, this focus on modern design, exemplified by Brasilia, often masked underlying social issues without instigating structural changes. The emphasis on aesthetic transformation overshadowed the need for profound societal evolution.
Literary Influences and Individual Connections
The podcast delves into the complex allure of authors such as Clarice Lispector and Susan Sontag, emphasizing the personal and subjective nature of literary appreciation. Lispector's work, notably 'The Hour of the Star,' is presented as a litmus test for readers, where resonance varies greatly among individuals. Similarly, Sontag's insights on perception and photography highlight the nuanced ways different individuals interpret and engage with art. The discussion underscores the intimate and often divergent connections readers form with literary icons.
Benjamin Moser is a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer celebrated for his in-depth studies of literary and cultural figures such as Susan Sontag and Clarice Lispector. His latest book, which details a twenty-year love affair with the Dutch masters, is one of Tyler's favorite books on art criticism ever.
Benjamin joined Tyler to discuss why Vermeer was almost forgotten, how Rembrandt was so productive, what auctions of the old masters reveals about current approaches to painting, why Dutch art hangs best in houses, what makes the Kunstmuseum in the Hague so special, why Dutch students won't read older books, Benjamin's favorite Dutch movie, the tensions within Dutch social tolerance, the joys of living in Utrecht, why Latin Americans make for harder interview subjects, whether Brasilia works as a city, why modernism persisted in Brazil, how to appreciate Clarice Lispector, Susan Sontag's (waning) influence, V.S. Naipaul’s mentorship, Houston's intellectual culture, what he's learning next, and more.