Johannes Vermeer (1632 - 1675)

Vermeer was among the most prominent painters of the Delft school in the second half of the 17th century. He is best known for elegant, meticulously crafted interior scenes characterized by brilliant use of light, the subtle gestures and expressions of his subjects and an atmosphere of hushed calm. The Rijksmuseum has three domestic interiors by Vermeer and one outdoor scene: his world-famous Little Street in Delft, the city where he lived and worked all his life.

Vermeer’s interiors are celebrated for their perfect interplay of line, form, light and colour. He infused his paintings with a restrained and unparalleled sense of serenity. He often relied on the same elements to create this effect. Just look at these three interiors. 

Vermeer painted quite a few pearls during his life. They were extremely popular in his time. On the painting 'Woman Reading a Letter', a pearl necklace lies on the table ready for the woman to put on. 

Frans Grijzenhout, Professor of Art History at the University of Amersterdam, consulted 17th-century records that had never before been used for this purpose. These records clearly indicate the actual site of the little street in the town of Delft.