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Born and Baptized
Johannes Vermeer was baptized on October 31, 1632 and this is the only record for his birth in Delft, Netherlands in the Reformed Church and was raised Protestant. His father, Reynier, was from a family of craftsman and his mother, Digna, was of Flemish background. Johannes Vermeer was the second child and the only son. Vermeer’s grandparents were considered lower middle-class. His father, Reynier Janz, changed his sir name to Vos and then later to Vermeer. -
Diana and her Companions (Diana en haar Nimfen) c. 1653 - 1656
Diana and her Companions shows an artist who may have been struggling with religion and mythology. Vermeer's rendition of Diana is oddly unusual for his time. Diana was a figure for the virgin goddess of hunting. Identified by the crescent moon she wears in her hair. Normally she has a bow and arrow and some sort of dead game. She is fully clothed rather than bathing in the nude as many other paintings show her; included is the hunting dog to validate that this is Diana. -
Vermeer married Catharine Bolnes from a wealthy higher class Catholic family.
Catharina was from a well- known family from Gouda. Born and raised a Catholic it is believed that Vermeer converted to Catholicism after their marriage. It is believed that once the two were married Vermeer distanced himself from his lower class family. This is believed partly because none of his fifteen children are documented of having his father or mother’s name. Four of the fifteen children died at birth. They were married for 22 years. -
The Procuress (De koppelaarster) 1656
Procuress done in 1656 was done in a much heavier hand than his much later paintings. This painting moves away from is contemporary compositions and depicts a scene from a brothel. There is no question of the intent of the young women who had is open waiting for the gentleman to place the coin in her hand. The hand is a very good example of the art of foreshortening. -
View of Delft (Gezicht op Delft) c. 1660-1661
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Women Holding a Balance c. 1660-1661
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The Art of Painting (De Schilderkonst) c. 1662 - 1668
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A Woman Weighing GoldPieter de Hoochc. 1664
Stiftung Preussischer Kulturbesitz, Gemäldegalerie, Berlin -
Girl with a Pearl Earring (Meisje met de parel) c. 1665- 1667
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Vermeer paid his fee in full.
Dutch painters were required to have a six year apprenticeship with a master painter who belonged to the Saint Luke’s Guild in order to be a part of the painter and artisans group. Vermeer had to pay an entrance fee of six guilders. Being a part of this guild allowed Vermeer to sign and sell his own paintings. -
Death in Delft circa December 16, 1675
