Johannes Vermeer (1632–1675) was a Dutch painter who is known for his exquisite use of light and his detailed and intimate depictions of middle-class life during the 17th century in the Dutch Golden Age. Although he was not widely recognized during his lifetime and produced a relatively small body of work, he is now considered one of the greatest painters of the Dutch Golden Age.
Some of his most famous works include:
"Girl with a Pearl Earring" (circa 1665): This is perhaps Vermeer's most iconic painting, depicting a young woman with a luminous pearl earring.
"The Milkmaid" (circa 1658): An image of a young woman pouring milk from a jug, it's admired for its realism and attention to detail.
"View of Delft" (circa 1660-1661): A detailed cityscape of his hometown, Delft.
"The Music Lesson" (circa 1662-1665): It shows a young woman and a man in a richly decorated room, with the woman playing a virginal and the man standing beside her.
Vermeer's paintings often feature domestic interior scenes and are renowned for their deep sense of calm, as well as their luminous quality. He was a master in the use of light and had a remarkable ability to portray the texture and subtlety of materials, especially in his depiction of fabrics and ceramics. His refined technique and the mysterious, poetic atmosphere in his paintings continue to captivate viewers to this day.