Super Short Summary

In Vermeer’s Hat: The Seventeenth Century and the Dawn of the Global World, Timothy Brook uses five paintings by Johannes Vermeer and other artworks to explore the beginnings of globalization in the seventeenth century, tracing connections between trade, commerce, and the movement of people. Through detailed analysis, Brook reveals how Vermeer's work reflects the interconnected and ever-expanding global interactions of his time. The book discusses themes such as transculturation and sovereignty, illustrating how cultural exchanges and trade impacted societies worldwide, often leading to significant social and economic consequences.