Johannes Vermeer

In December, 1675, this great artist passed away after being sick for a brief period of time. According to letters written by his wife, the wars waged by the country had hampered his career, and this had caused depression. At the time of his death, Johannes had left behind his wife with huge financial debts to clear.

Vermeer was interred at the 'Oude Kerk' church in Delft, on December 15, 1675. Some of his debts were cleared off by selling his paintings on a later date.

Johannes Vermeer, also known as Jan, was born in 1632, to Reijnier Janszoon and his wife Digna Baltus, in Delft, Dutch Republic. He was baptized as a Reformed Christian on October 31 of the same year. Jan also had a sister, Geertruy, who was almost twelve years older.

Reijnier was initially employed as a Sericulturist, but he later began running an inn, and selling paintings. After his death, it was Jan who took over his father's work as an art dealer. During this time, the young man developed a strong passion for painting, endeavouring to pursue it as his career.

It is unclear as to who trained Vermeer as an artist; while some think it could have been Carel Fabritius, others believe it to be Abraham Bloemaert. However, the most widely accepted opinion is that this Dutch artist, whose works are similar to the style adopted by the painter Caravaggio, taught himself to paint.

On December 29, 1653, Johannes joined a union of painters known as the 'Guild of Saint Luke', although he was unable to afford the enrolment fee. The 'Delft Thunderclap' explosion which took place the following year plunged the city into economic crisis and sickness

It was during this time, despite the turmoil, that Jan was able to produce some of the finest works of art. In 1656, the 24 year old budding artist painted 'The Procuress' on canvas, using oil, which depicts a scene in a brothel.

In 1657, it was art dealer, Pieter van Ruijven, who came to Johannes' help, patronizing the latter's paintings. Jan's contemporaries during this period, which is also called the 'Golden Age', were Gerard Dou, Pieter de Hooch, Gabriel Metsu, and Nicolaes Maes.

In 1657-58, the illustrious artist produced two famous paintings, 'The Little Street', and 'The Milkmaid'. The first is a small oil painting that is displayed presently at the 'Rijksmuseum', in Amsterdam, Netherlands. 'The Milkmaid' depicting a maidservant, is also exhibited in the same museum, and is considered as one of the finest pieces of art.

One of the best works ever produced by this distinguished artist is considered to be his 'Girl with a Pearl Earring'. The oil painting on canvas was signed by the artist as 'IVMeer', and is presently housed in the 'Mauritshuis' museum in The Hague, Netherlands.