Johannes Vermeer
1632-1675
Born in the Netherlands; his father was an art dealer.
Married Catharina Bolnes in 1653.
Worked as a painter, art dealer & inn keeper.
Member of the Guild of St Luke (artists & craftsmen) in Delft.
His main creative period was between 1650 and 1670.
He may have painted between 45 & 60 paintings during his productive period , that averages to only two to three a year.
He died at age 43.
Only 35 of his paintings survive today. They are in museums & private collections.
He left no drawings, studies, letters or personal documents.
Much of his life including his training and his techniques are a mystery, but his paintings are a wonder.
