Young Woman with a Lute - Johannes Vermeer Postcard.

Johannes Vermeer was a painter active during the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century. Although only around 30 of his works remain, his meticulous realism and exceptional skill in depicting light continue to fascinate people around the world. In particular, his tranquil interior scenes capture the beauty of everyday life, earning him the nickname " the magician of light ."

Johannes Vermeer Biography

• Born October 31, 1632 (baptismal date) in Delft, Netherlands
• In 1653 he was registered as a master painter in the Guild of St. Luke.
• In the 1660s, he produced a series of masterpieces, including landscapes and interior paintings of the city of Delft.
• Died in Delft on December 15, 1675 (aged 43)

Representative works

• Girl with a Pearl Earring (c. 1665)
• The Milkmaid (c. 1658–1660)
• View of Delft (c. 1660-1661)
• The Art of Painting (c. 1666–1668)

Johannes Vermeer's painting style

Vermeer's style is characterized by meticulous realism, believed to have been achieved through the use of a camera obscura , and his outstanding depiction of light. In particular, his depiction of the soft light streaming in through the window gives his paintings a unique sense of serenity. Vermeer's works are also fascinating due to their vivid colors and detailed depictions made with pointillism. He is also known for his extensive use of the expensive ultramarine blue, which is made from lapis lazuli . Many of his works are genre paintings depicting the everyday lives of Dutch citizens at the time, but he also left behind works with mythological and religious themes.

Commentary on representative works

"Girl with a Pearl Earring" is Vermeer's most famous work and is also known as the "Mona Lisa of the North." The gaze of the girl as she turns around and the sparkle of her pearl earring are striking. "The Milkmaid" depicts a maid quietly pouring milk. The light streaming in from the window softly illuminates the woman, the wall, the bread, and other objects, poetically expressing a scene from everyday life.

The influence of Johannes Vermeer and his later reputation

Vermeer was long forgotten after his death, but he was reevaluated in the 19th century and his fame grew rapidly. Impressionist painters in particular showed a strong interest in Vermeer's depiction of light and everyday subjects. Today, Vermeer is highly regarded around the world as one of the most representative painters of the Dutch Golden Age . Keywords such as " Magician of Light ," " Camera Obscura ," " Lapis Lazuli," " Genre Painting, " and " Delft " are important elements in understanding Vermeer's art. His works are housed in museums around the world and continue to fascinate many people today.