Tom Anderson

Author

Tom has a PhD in Physiology, is a serial entrepreneur in the life sciences, teaches biology at junior colleges in California, and is a fan of the painters of the Dutch Golden Age. He takes particular joy in finding the hints that artists leave us to help us understand the stories they are telling us. Contact him at [email protected].

Articles by Tom

Masterpiece Stories

Two Shades of Love in Vermeer’s Paintings

Many of the paintings by Johannes Vermeer (Dutch, 1632–1675) focus on the theme of love. Some of them involve music, letters, or a glass of wine,...

Tom Anderson 16 December 2024

Painting

Carel Fabritius in 10 Paintings: Rembrandt’s Most Promising Pupil

Any biography of Carel Fabritius (Dutch, 1622–1654) is necessarily short; there simply is not much known about him. He was born in Beemster, a...

Tom Anderson 9 December 2024

Quiz

QUIZ: 8 Fun Things to Know about Vermeer’s View of Delft

Tom Anderson 29 November 2024

Painting

Art and Science in Vermeer Paintings

As a scientist, I have always been attracted to images of science in works of art—whether a portrait of Newton, a depiction of Galileo using his...

Tom Anderson 28 November 2024

Painting

A New Take on the Iconic Girl Reading a Letter by Vermeer

The recently restored Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window by Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) is often said to be that of a young woman reading a...

Tom Anderson 26 September 2024