Jan or Johannes Vermeer van Delft, was born in October 1632 and died in December 1675. His work shows everyday life in the city of Delft in the Netherlands. His work and life had been forgotten for centuries, but now Vermeer is considered one of the greatest painters.

Vermeer's paintings are intimate, intricate, and truly exquisite. His use of light is phenomenal.


Young Woman With a Waterpitcher, 1664-1665

The light comes in through the window and diffuses through the room. The girl's crisp, white cloth is lit up, fragile, and still. The pitcher in her hand gleams in the light. The glass of the window reflects the sky. You can sense the texture of the smooth, dense tapestry on the table. The woman's face is serene, perhaps pensive. The scene is ethereal, yet everyday.


Woman in Blue, 1662-1664

The light casts a soft glow on the room. It seems you could reach out and touch the map. It hangs with real weight, the chairs take up real space. The light hits the map with an intense white blaze, but the woman is in half-light and shadow. The woman's face is tender and serious. The map suggests that her letter comes from far away. While she appears pregnant, it was not unusual to show a single woman with a protuding belly - as a symbol or the fashion of the times. To me, this looks different than the fashionable belly. This image of a pregnant woman holding her breath while reading a letter (that we can only guess at the message) is somber yet beautiful.


The Lacemaker, 1669-1670

Again, this painting is all about the light. The meticulous details (the part of her hair, the gleam on the wooden knob, the shadow and light on her knuckles) are real and precious. The pillow shines on the left. The threads tangle and dangle. The girls seems self-conscious, shy. Her colorful dress and her bouncy curls quietly brighten the scene. Her cheeks have a soft bloom. Her face concentrates and her hands are sure. There is a still and silent beauty to her work.


The Little Street 1659-1660

Vermeer is known for his interiors, but this outside scene has the same quality of light, color, and space. The sky is hazy, the white light down the hallway and slashed on the face of the buildings brightly shines. The bricks, windows, and doorways are all delicately and perfectly executed. The people in the scene go about their daily chores unaware of the peaceful glow that surrounds them.