Johannes Vermeer's Paintings
Johannes Vermeer (1632 to 1675) was a Dutch painter whose works are considered masterful examples of the use of light and shadow and are renowned for their realism and attention to detail. About thirty six of his paintings are known to survive today.
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Time Frame
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Vermeer worked mainly from the 1650s to the early 1670s. Only three of his works---"The Procuress," "The Astronomer," and "The Geographer"---are dated. They are from 1656, 1668 and 1669, respectively.
Well Known Works
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Some of Vermeer's works are very well known, appearing in mass media and often reproduced in art history texts. These include "Girl with a Pearl Earring," "The Milkmaid," "The Artist's Studio," and "The Concert."
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Techniques
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Vermeer was a master of the use of light. He used bright shades to highlight certain areas, making them appear as though they were being struck by natural light. His paintings are also known for their realism. It has been theorized that he may have used a camera obscura to help him see and reproduce tiny details.
Subjects
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The vast majority of Vermeer's works are domestic scenes. They focus on ordinary people going about their everyday business. Vermeer also executed two cityscapes and several portraits.
Significance
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Vermeer's paintings were not particularly well known or influential during his lifetime. However, since the 19th century, Vermeer's works have become widely appreciated as masterpieces of the Baroque period.
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