Johannes Vermeer was a Dutch painter known for his beautiful and detailed artworks. Here are some interesting facts about him:
- He was born in Delft. Vermeer was born on October 31, 1632, in Delft, Netherlands. His father was an art dealer and owned two inns. Vermeer inherited these businesses in 1652.
A View of Delft after the Explosion of 1654, by Egbert van der Poel
2. He had at least 15 children. Vermeer married Catharina Bolnes in 1653, and together they had at least 15 children. Sadly, four of them died at a young age. Supporting such a large family was challenging, especially during times when Vermeer faced financial difficulties.
Johannes Vermeer - Girl Reading a Letter by an Open Window
3. Vermeer was a respected art dealer and expert. Besides painting, Vermeer followed in his father's footsteps as an art dealer. In 1662, he became the head of the St. Luke's Guild, a position he held again the following year. His expertise was well-regarded, and he often participated in authenticating artworks.
Johannes Vermeer - The Procuress
4. Only 37 paintings are attributed to him. Today, only 37 paintings are known to be by Vermeer. These artworks are displayed in museums across the Netherlands, the United States, France, Scotland, Germany, Austria, Japan, Ireland, and England.
The Geographer (1669), Städel Museum in Frankfurt am Main
5. He often painted in the same room. Many of Vermeer's paintings depict indoor scenes that appear to be set in the same room, with similar features like a tiled floor and a window on the left. This consistency has led some to believe he used a device called a camera obscura to help create his detailed compositions.
Vermeer young women sleeping
6. He left no sketches or preparatory drawings. Interestingly, no sketches or preparatory drawings by Vermeer have been found. Scientific analyses have not detected any guide lines under the paint layers of his works, suggesting he painted directly onto the canvas without prior outlines.
Johannes Vermeer - Diana and her Nymphs - 406 - Mauritshuis
7. He died in debt. The year 1672, known as the "Rampjaar" or "disastrous year," brought economic hardship to the Netherlands due to invasions and war. The art market collapsed, and Vermeer struggled financially. He passed away in 1675, leaving his family in debt.
Memorial (2007) of Johannes Vermeer in Oude Kerk. Delft, Netherlands
8. His painting inspired a famous novel and film. Vermeer's painting "Girl with a Pearl Earring" has captivated many and inspired the 1999 novel of the same name by Tracy Chevalier. The book was later adapted into a successful film in 2003, bringing renewed attention to Vermeer's work.
Girl with a Pearl Earring
9. His work was forgotten and later rediscovered. After his death, Vermeer's art was largely forgotten for centuries. It wasn't until the 19th century that his work was rediscovered and he gained recognition as one of the great Dutch masters.
The only supposed portrait of Jan Vermeer.
10. He painted "The Little Street" based on a real location. Vermeer's painting "The Little Street" depicts a scene in Delft. Researchers have identified the location as 40-42 Vlamingstraat, where Vermeer's aunt owned a house, adding a personal connection to the artwork.
Vermeer's The Little Street
These facts offer a glimpse into the life and work of Johannes Vermeer, highlighting his artistic talent and the challenges he faced during his lifetime.