In my Rembrandt and Vermeer class there is this distinct discussion on the expressionism of the face. We see the dramatist approach Rembrandt employs, giving the faces a theatrical emotion that is highlighted with strong lighting. On the other hand, Vermeer's faces have this tendency to avoid definition. His genre paintings of women in daily tasks such as making lace or writing letters give a kind of generic ambiance. We feel so identified with his characters, though. How come there is such an emotional value even though he doesn't give them volume or all the textures as Rembrandt does. Or even the facial gestures. What is it in a face that is static that makes us feel?
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