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Benjamin Moser on the Dutch Masters, Brazil, and Cultural Icons

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May 15, 2024

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Benjamin Moser

Benjamin Moser, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer known for biographies of literary giants like Susan Sontag, shares insights from his latest book on Dutch masters. He delves into Vermeer’s forgotten legacy and Rembrandt's prolific nature while discussing the appeal of Dutch art in homes. The conversation shifts to Brazil's cultural identity and its challenges in interview dynamics. Moser also reflects on Houston's unique intellectual scene and his passion for learning new languages, making for a lively and thought-provoking dialogue.

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INSIGHT

Vermeer's Obscurity

Vermeer's relative obscurity until the late 19th century was likely due to the limited number of his paintings and their private ownership.
With only 35 Vermeers, mostly bought by one neighbor, his work lacked widespread public exposure.

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ANECDOTE

Fake Vermeers

During World War II, forger Han van Meegeren exploited a stylistic gap in Vermeer's known works, creating fake Vermeers that filled in that gap.
These forgeries were so successful that van Meegeren amassed significant wealth through their sale.

insights

INSIGHT

Rembrandt's Productivity

Rembrandt's prolific output is attributed to his long lifespan (63 years), exceeding typical lifespans of his peers.
Rembrandt's obsessive work ethic and dedication to creating are also factors.

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Unveiling Vermeer: Art, Faith, and Legacy

01:46 • 22min

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Navigating Dutch Identity

23:46 • 6min

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Exploring Brazil: History, Culture, and Identity

30:10 • 11min

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Literary Legacies and Personal Journeys

41:22 • 19min

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The Intellectual Climate of Houston: A Personal Reflection

01:00:28 • 3min

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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.

Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links, or watch the full video.

Recorded February 15th, 2024.

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Photo Credit: Philippe Quaisse

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