We do know that he lived in Delft, where his days were filled with his work as an art dealer, his duties as the father of a large family and, of course, his painting. Vermeer’s early paintings include a Biblical scene and a mythological scene, as well as several works that reflect the influence of Utrecht Caravaggism. Vermeer concentrated on painting interior pieces and so-called tronies (heads of anonymous figures). His most famous works are genre paintings that capture moments of restful poise in everyday life, such as a woman reading a letter or absorbed by a domestic task. These scenes all share a serene calm, with some evoking a sense of mystery. Vermeer is greatly admired for his mastery of light, intense colours and astonishing accuracy. He did achieve some renown in his lifetime and charged high prices for his paintings. After he died, however, he faded into oblivion and was only rediscovered in the mid-19th century.
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