Johannes Vermeer

Biography

Johannes Vermeer, known in historiography as Vermeer of Delft, was born in October 1632 in the city of Delft, located in the Republic of the United Provinces. He was a Dutch painter who primarily worked in the genres of genre painting, portraiture, and cityscape, and was one of the leading masters of the Dutch Golden Age and Baroque painting. Vermeer lived his entire life in Delft, where he died on December 15, 1675. He is known for his famous works including "Diana and Her Companions," "The Geographer," "The Procuress," "The Milkmaid," "Christ in the House of Martha and Mary," "The Astronomer," "Sleeping Girl," "Girl with a Pearl Earring," and "View of Delft." Alongside his artistic activity, Johannes Vermeer was also an art collector and dealer, combining several professions. His work, together with those of masters such as Pieter de Hooch, Gerard Terborch, Rembrandt, and Frans Hals, forms an important part of the cultural heritage of the Dutch Golden Age.