Open House Celebration with Gerard Klein Hofmeijer Sunday November 13 3-5pm

Please join us for a very special open house celebration of work by Dutch miniaturist Gerard Klein Hofmeijer, visiting from his hometown of Utrecht, Netherlands, on Sunday November 13 from 3-5pm here in the Gallery at D. Thomas Fine Miniatures.

Mr. Klein Hofmeijer will be meeting with guests and sharing details about his work including his signature piece, “Vlamingstraat 42, Delft" created from his study of Vermeers's "The Little Street" painted in 1657. He will also bring some of his tools for an informal discussion and demonstration of his techniques.

Gerard Klein Hofmeijer is a Dutch craftsman and classically trained scientist who has admired, loved and constructed miniatures since childhood. He 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 of views of Delft. The painting has been the topic of much research and dispute regarding the actual location, concluding the site is the present-day 40-42 Vlamingstraat based on substantial archival research of 17th Century Delft quay dues registers. Mr. Klein Hofmeijer’s miniature façade offers us the only known full view of the house, shown partially in Vermeer’s painting and provides a 21st Century insight into a period architecture and life in a Dutch Golden Age town. Gerard’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.

“The Little House” exhibition will run from November 12, 2016 through January 17, 2017 in the Gallery at D. Thomas Fine Miniatures in the historic MovieHouse Mews in Hastings-on-Hudson. 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.

All Photos: Pien Spijkers

ABOUT D. THOMAS FINE MINIATURES

D. Thomas Fine Miniatures is a retail and gallery destination featuring top quality collectibles including 1/12th scale structure, furniture and accessories. The concept, designed to appeal to collectors, crafters and enthusiasts was created, in part, to raise awareness of miniatures as a decorative art form and to introduce the discipline not only to a new generation but to those who may just be discovering it! The gallery space showcases work in miniature by well-known artists from all over the world.