Art, Meditation, and Medical Practice: Johannes Vermeer's The Geographer
An earlier version of this article originally appeared on this site in July 2022.
Art therapists use art as a way to explore complicated emotions and improve self-awareness for people experiencing physical or mental health challenges. But art offers many other paths to well-being and connection, especially for physicians and others engaged in the hard work of healthcare.
For centuries, art and science were deeply intertwined, yet in the modern era we often lose sight of the ways that art can illuminate medical practice. In this article I’ll show you how engaging with art mindfully, through what some call contemplative viewing, can spark both introspection and connection.
In these unscripted encounters with an artist’s inner landscape, we may access a deeper understanding of our patients and ourselves as complex, multifaceted human beings.
Girl with Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer, ca.1665; credit Mauritshuis, The Hague
The Enduring Legacy of Johannes Vermeer
Johannes Vermeer, a Dutch painter of the 1600s, is best known for his intimate interior scenes. His Girl with a Pearl Earring remains his most iconic work, inspiring a bestselling novel in 1999 and a film adaptation in 2003.
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 severe financial stress played a role. Today, only 34 of Vermeer’s paintings are known to exist.
Vermeer’s paintings are powerful not only for their timeless beauty, but 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
The Geographer: A Moment Out of Time
As a photographer, Vermeer's The Geographer calls to me for its almost photographic frame of reference. This is not surprising, given Vermeer's purported use of the camera obscura, an early form of photographic projection that creates an image on a wall. As in an unposed photograph capturing a moment in time, The Geographer seems to be unaware of the painter, absorbed in his own 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. From there, you may find yourself traveling 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. This reference to the wider world and his Japanese-style robe tells a story of a man who has a broad 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 slash of orange that makes up the kimono’s collar 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 serves to elevate the sense of intimacy and deepen 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 doorway to 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 open a feeling of spaciousness and presence. Notice your breath as you spend time with this work of art, allowing each inhale and exhale to soften your mind into a relaxed awareness. Feel your body loosen, even if just a little. If possible, give yourself at least three minutes of mindfulness before moving on with the rest of your day.
This experience is available to you, no matter where you might find yourself. 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. So can the act of creating.
For physicians, brief moments of mindful connection can be deeply restorative. In the midst of a busy day, slowing down can help you to reconnect to a sense of balance and perspective. Vermeer’s work is one reminder that presence and awareness can reveal not only your own light but also the humanity of those you care for.
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