Johannes Vermeer (1632–1675) was a Dutch Golden Age master renowned for his exquisite
treatment of light in tranquil, domestic interiors. Producing a remarkably small body of work—
including the iconic Girl with a Pearl Earring—he painted slowly and methodically. Personally,
he lived his entire life in Delft, married, and fathered fifteen children. Despite his immense
talent, economic hardships ultimately left him impoverished, and he died heavily in debt at age
43.