Johannes Vermeer

Johannes Vermeer - The Delft Painter

Introduction

The famous artist of Dutch Golden-Age named Johannes Vermeer or Jan is best known for the Delft paintings. His artworks were revered and the most beloved paintings in the history of art. These include the View of Delft, The Love Letter, and The Girl with Pearl Earring. Out of all his works, only 36 survived and are now treasures in the world’s finest museums. Johannes Vermeer joined the guild of Delft painter in 1652 and served as dean from 1662 to 1663. His early works comprise Girl Asleep at the Table. When his style got a little matured, he painted Little Street. After 1660, he was already a renowned painter.

Early Life

He was born in the Netherlands on October 31 in 1632. His works mostly portrayed middle-class domestic interior scenes, and these works are the inspiration for many. His father Reynier was from artisans family in the Delft town and his mother Digna was from a Flemish background.

After the baptismal record, Vermeer disappeared for around 20 years. He had a Calvinist upbringing. Vermeer's father worked as an art merchant and tavern keeper, which he inherited after his father's death in 1652. The next year, he married Catherina Bolnes, a Catholic, and they both had 11 children together.

Famous Art Work

In 1653, Vermeer became the master painter with the Delft Guild. Some people believe that The artistic works of Rembrandt have influenced johannes through Rembrandt's students named Carel Fabritius. His early works The Procuress became famous in 1656. The painter explored the mythology area through Diana and Her Companions painting in 1655-56. His artwork Women Holding a Balance is also popular. By the decade's end, his unique style started to emerge.

Final Years and Death

Vermeer had financial struggles during his final years due to the Dutch invasion by France. He was in debt by his death time and died on December 16 in 1675.