Thunderclap

A Memoir of Art and Life and Sudden Death

By: Laura Cumming

Narrated by: Laura Cumming

Length: 7 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Named a Best Book of 2023 So Far by The New Yorker and the Financial Times

New York Times bestselling author Laura Cumming “combines first-rate art history with deeply felt memoir” (The Washington Post) in this fascinating, little-known story of the massive explosion in Holland that killed Carel Fabritius, renowned painter of The Goldfinch and A View of Delft and nearly killed Johannes Vermeer—two of the greatest artists of the 17th century.

“Exquisite.” —Simon Schama, The Guardian

As a brilliant art critic and historian, Laura Cumming has explored the importance of art in life and can give us a perspective on the time and place in which the artist worked. Now, through the lens of one dramatic event in 17th-century Holland, Cumming “has fashioned a book that combines memoir, art criticism, and history to illuminating effect” (The New York Times Book Review).

In 1654, the Thunderclap—an enormous explosion at a gunpowder store—devasted the city of Delft, killing hundreds of people, including the extraordinary painter Carel Fabritius, and injuring thousands more.

Framing the story around the life of Fabritius, Cumming illuminates this extraordinary moment in art history while also writing about her own father, a painter. Like Dutch art, the story gradually links country, city, town, street, house, interior—all the way to the bird on its perch, the blue and white tile, the smallest seed in a loaf of bread. The impact of a painting and how it can enter our thoughts, influence our view and understanding of the world is the heart of this book. Cumming has brought her unique eye to her most compelling subject yet.

Featuring beautiful full-color images of Dutch paintings throughout, this is “a glorious tribute to the two men who showed her the truth of the notion that paintings offer ‘a land in themselves, a society, a place to be’” (The Economist).

©2023 Laura Cumming (P)2023 Simon & Schuster Audio

Brilliant melding of the historical and the personal

Cumming weaves her own story into the story of the Dutch 17th century painter, Carel Fabretius, bringing both to life. Well written, well narrated by the author.

Makes art come alive

A beautifully written and read reflection on art entwined with life and catastrophe through time.

Loved it

I visited Amsterdam in late August and saw some of Vermeer painting as well as other artists from her book. It enhanced my experience immeasurably.

So interesting!

The author is a wonderfully engaging writer and reader!! I love this art and will see it with new eyes after listening to the book.

Art History ALIVE

The subjective is the finest version of the objective…. Which is critical to Dutch 17th century painting

The deep dive into Dutch Art

This was such an insightful book and expanded my knowledge of the Dutch artists of the days extending from Rembrandt to Vermeer.
As rich as the colors and textures found in dutch paintings of the period this narrative captivates and educates while entertaining the listener.