Dutch treat

Thomas Fine Miniatures in Hastings-on-Hudson – which WAG wrote about originally in its December 2014 “Power Brokers” issue presents “The Little House: A Celebration of the Preservation of Period Dutch Architecture in Fine Miniature Scale” Saturday, Nov. 12, through Jan. 17. This special exhibit will feature works from the Dutch craftsman Gerard Klein Hofmeijer, including his signature piece, “Vlamingstraat 42, Delft,” created from his study ofVermeers’s “The Little Street.”

Klein Hofmeijer, a native of Utrecht, the Netherlands, is a classically trained scientist who has admired, loved and constructed miniatures since childhood. Klein Hofmeijer works in a variety of scales between 1:50 and 1:100 to replicate historic buildings, houses, garden vignettes and 3D facades. His work offers a glimpse into the classic Dutch architectural style of the past and Dutch influence on contemporary design.

“The Little Street” is significant to the study of Vermeer since it is one of only two of the artist’s paintings with views of Delft. The work has been the topic of much research and dispute regarding the actual location, with the conclusion being that the site is the present-day 40-42 Vlamingstraat based on substantial archival research of 17th century Delft quay dues registers. Klein Hofmeijer’s miniature façade offers us the only known full view of the house, shown partially in Vermeer’s painting. Klein Hofmeijer’s painstaking attention to detail includes individual bricks, sized according to the painting, etched in messing and adorned with mat varnish and pigments to create consummate accuracy in relief and color. His details include cracks in the mortar, aging paint on wooden shutters and an intricate stone sidewalk.

“I feel privileged to show Gerard’s work in my Gallery this fall” says Darren T. Scala, exhibit curator and owner of D. Thomas Fine Miniatures. “Gerard’s unique techniques, attention to detail and quest for historic accuracy are unparalleled. This offers us a look at the culture that helped to settle the five boroughs of New York City and the lower Hudson Valley and helps us recognize many of the details we see in the architecture that surrounds us today.”

Klein Hofmeijer and his wife, Pien Spijkers, an architectural draftsman and photographer, will be part of an open house reception/meet the artist on Sunday, Nov. 13, from 3 to 5 p.m. He will have some of his tools on hand for an informal discussion and demonstration of his techniques during his visit.  This event coincides with 5 Dutch Days, hosted by the Netherland-America Foundation, which celebrates the Dutch arts and culture in New York City with a series of events and activities.

Thomas Fine Miniatures is in the historic MovieHouse Mews.

For more, visit dthomasfineminiatures.coms.

– Edited by Georgette Gouveia

Written By
More from Staff
THE CONSTANT GARDENER
Botanical celebrates Monet’s floral works By Georgette Gouveia He was, of course,...
Read More
Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *