Documentary
United States of America
The documentary film Tim's Vermeer follows the journey of Tim Jenison, an inventor from Texas, as he sets out to uncover the secrets behind the stunning realism achieved in the paintings of Dutch master Johannes Vermeer. Jenison becomes obsessed with Vermeer's technique and, using his knowledge of optics and inventions, he sets out to recreate the conditions under which Vermeer may have painted.
Jenison's project involves constructing a set that matches the exact dimensions and lighting of Vermeer's studio, copying the same materials and tools that were available to Vermeer at the time, and using a camera obscura to project the scene he wishes to paint onto a mirror. He then painstakingly attempts to recreate Vermeer's painting process, using his own interpretation of the techniques used by the artist.
Jenison's quest leads him to travel to Holland to study Vermeer's surviving paintings up close, consult with art historians, and gather data on the pigments used by Vermeer. He also consults with artist David Hockney, who has his own theories regarding the use of optics in art.
The film documents Jenison's ten-year journey and the gradual progress he makes in his attempt to replicate a Vermeer painting. His efforts culminate in a visit to Buckingham Palace, where he is granted permission to view Vermeer's famous painting, The Music Lesson, up close and personal.
Throughout the film, Jenison's quest raises intriguing questions about the nature of art and the relationship between technology and creativity. Ultimately, his discoveries shed new light on the genius of one of history's greatest painters and the longstanding mystery of how he achieved such lifelike realism in his work.
