We compare the works of two of the greatest painters of the Dutch Golden Age:\xa0Rembrandt\xa0and\xa0Vermeer. Making the case for\xa0Rembrandt\xa0van Rijn in this debate was historian, author and broadcaster Simon Schama. For Schama,\xa0Rembrandt's works are raw humanity personified with formal beauty being the least of the painter's concerns. Novelist Tracy Chevalier, however, champions Johannes\xa0Vermeer. She claims that the artist's charm lies in the very fact that he absents himself from his paintings and as a result they are less didactic and more magical.\nThe debate was chaired by art historian, writer and museum director, Tim Marlow.\n\ufeffFor a list of works referenced in this debate, along with links to each, please go to:\nhttps://intelligencesquared.com/events/rembrandt-vs-vermeer-titans-of-dutch-painting-simon-schama-tracy-chevalier/\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices