Young Woman with a Water Jug, circa 1662

Jan Vermeer (1632 – 1675) was a Dutch artist known for exceptionally realistic works and a masterly command of light. Originally creating historical and genre paintings, Vermeer’s true virtuosity lay in his ability to paint lyrical, domestic scenes imbued with such a sense of dignity and purpose that they transcended the mundane. The quality and quantity of detail in Vermeer’s art is nearly microscopic, accentuated by glittering, pearly highlights called pointillés which made his work extraordinarily lifelike. Although he only produced 35 paintings in his lifetime, Vermeer is considered to be one of the greatest artists of the Dutch Golden Age.