View of Delft is a prime example of Vermeer's inventiveness. He uses a variety of methods to capture the true essence of this scene and was praised for his unique dynamics in compositional techniques in particular.
Composition:
Vermeer adds a feeling of depth and distance to this piece by placing the clouds prominently in the front of the canvas and then showing them diminishing into the background.
Perspective is also achieved in the bottom and top sections to the right which are situated nearer to the viewer. The eye is drawn to the docking ground which starts out below eye level and directs the eye to the boat at the turreted gate. The viewer then looks to the left side of the canvas which lies farther behind the first section.
The figures are also positioned upon different planes as the two ladies at the forefront are larger and closer than the other subjects.
The winding water path also works to direct the viewer's focus into its centre. By elongating the view of the city, Vermeer's work flows well.
Technique:
The artist depicts the roughness of stone perfectly by mixing sand into the paint, creating an uneven surface and grainy texture, resulting in a three-dimensional effect.
Vermeer uses the camera obscura in this piece, a great contraption for allowing a painter to focus on each aspect of a scene. In View of Delft, Vermeer would have picked up on detailing that would not have been visible to the naked eye.
Use of color:
Vermeer uses bold colors for the roof buildings and sunlit areas to create a deeper perspective. His use of the much-loved ultramarine can be detected in the boat and trees and the roof top to the right. The sky is painted in mild brown and yellow ochres to separate the clouds and sunlight.