Johannes Vermeer

About the Artist

Johannes Vermeer was born in Delft, the Netherlands in 1632 and died in 1675; he was active during the Dutch Golden Age. He lived mainly in Delft and is famous for paintings depicting everyday scenes. Vermeer's body of work is characterized by his meticulous handling of light and his emphasis on the quiet stillness of daily life. His masterpieces include "The Milkmaid" and "Girl with a Pearl Earring," which clearly demonstrate his distinctive vision and technique. About 37 of his works survive today, and his artistic achievement continues to be widely recognized.