Johannes Vermeer (1632 - December 15, 1675) was a Dutch painter.
Vermeer is also known as Vermeer of Delft or Johannes van der
Meer. Vermeer was born in Delft and stayed there all his life.
He was buried in the Old Church (Oude Kerk) in Delft. Vermeer is
after Rembrandt the second most famous Dutch painter of the 17th
century (a period which is better known as the Dutch Golden Age
for its astonishing cultural and artistic achievements). His
paintings are admired for their transparent colours, well
though-out composition and brilliant use of light. Little is
known about the life of Vermeer. He married Catharina Bolenes in
1653. In that same year he joined the Sint Lucas painters guild.
Later, in 1662 and 1669, he was chosen to preside over the
guild. Vermeer did earn a meagre income as an art dealer rather
than through selling his paintings. Sometimes he even had to pay
his debts to local food stores with a painting. Vermeer died
very poor. His widow had to trade all paintings still in her
possesion to the cit