Shades of grey – the austere artistry of Vilhelm Hammershøi

Harriet Baker | Apollo | 5th June 2019

Hammershøi is often compared to Vermeer because both painted interiors. From that point they diverge. Vermeer showed a moment’s stillness amidst daily activity. Hammershøi’s interiors are all quiet greys and pallid light, clutter conspicuously absent. Figures have their backs turned. Is everything OK here? “He observes rooms with the attentiveness of one watching for changes in the weather.”