Johannes Vermeer left no letters, diaries or notes about his works. We know almost nothing about his artistic intentions, his training or how he achieved his extraordinary effects of light and color. 

Johannes Vermeer’s Woman Holding a Balance offers a quiet visual parable for this moment. As we face yet another new year of war, polarisation and distrust, we need reflection which goes beyond personal self-improvement.

The emergence of the Dutch Republic birthed many features of the modern era. What might Ukraine’s victory over Russian tyranny and oppression mean for our future?