Johannes Vermeer was a Dutch painter born in Delft, Netherlands, in October 1632, and he died there in December 1675. He is celebrated as one of the greatest painters of the Dutch Golden Age, renowned especially for his intimate domestic interior scenes depicting middle-class life. His art is distinguished by its masterful use of light, meticulous detail, and serene compositions reflecting quiet moments often involving women engaged in daily chores or private activities.
Vermeer produced relatively few paintings—about 36 are universally attributed to him—due in part to his slow, careful working method and the expensive materials he used. His most famous works include “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” “The Milkmaid,” “The Concert,” and “View of Delft.” Despite his current fame, Vermeer was moderately successful in his lifetime, mostly recognized locally, and spent much of his career as an art dealer in addition to being a painter.
He married Catherina Bolnes, a Catholic woman, and converted to her faith. The couple lived with her mother and had 15 children, though some died young. Vermeer also held respected positions in his community, including serving as the head of the Delft Guild of Saint Luke, a professional association for painters.
Vermeer’s life was marked by financial difficulties, especially after the Dutch economy suffered greatly following the French invasion of 1672. He died heavily indebted at age 43. His artistic legacy languished in obscurity for nearly two centuries until a 19th-century revival brought him international acclaim. Today, his paintings are treasured worldwide for their luminosity and timeless portrayal of 17th-century Dutch life.