Johannes Vermeer: Master of Light and Shadow

Johannes Vermeer (1632–1675) was a Dutch Baroque painter renowned for his masterful use of light and color. Born in Delft, Netherlands, Vermeer spent his entire life in his hometown. Although only about 34 of his paintings survive, they are highly regarded for their serene, domestic interior scenes and meticulous detail. His works, such as "Girl with a Pearl Earring" and "The Milkmaid," capture the quiet moments of everyday life with an exquisite sense of tranquility and realism. Vermeer's artistry remained relatively obscure until the 19th century when his genius was fully recognized. Today, he is celebrated as one of the greatest painters of the Dutch Golden Age.