Photo: The Art of Painting (Detail), ca.
Vermeer was devoted to exploring the everyday moments of his historical era, often painting scenes of domestic life.
Read on to discover the stories behind five of his artworks.
Photo: “The Art of Painting (Detail),” ca. 1666-1668.Wikimedia Commons(Public Domain)
Here are five Johannes Vermeer paintings that capture the 17th-century artist’s incredible skill.
During the time it was painted, Vermeer had just converted to Catholicism.
Different from his earlier biblical works,The Procuressis believed to depict a scene from a brothel.
Photo: “Christ in the House of Martha and Mary,” c.1654-56.Wikimedia Commons(Public Domain)
It features a woman in pale yellow, surrounded by two men and a nun figure in black.
The same man possessively curls around her and places his hand on her breast.
His face is hidden in the shadow cast by his wide-brimmed hat, creating a sinister tone.
Photo: “The Procuress,” c. 1656.Wikimedia Commons(Public Domain)
Some believe this dimly lit figure is Vermeer himself, painted as a self-portrait.
Her face is delicately lit by the light coming from the open window.
Some historians believe Vermeer usedcamera obscurato help him create perspective in his painting.
Photo: “The Officer and the Laughing Girl,” c.1657-60.Wikimedia Commons(Public Domain)
The photographic perspective was noted by artist Joseph Pennell in 1891.
The viewer cannot see what it says, but the subjects facial expression suggests that its startling news.
A string of pearls and another piece of paper sit on the table in front of her.
Photo: “Woman in Blue Reading a Letter,” c.1662-63.Wikimedia Commons(Public Domain)
The map also suggests travel, and that perhaps shes waiting for her husband to return from somewhere.
The abundance of blue in this painting immediately catches the eye of the viewer.
Vermeer was known for his love of the hue and often used the expensiveultramarine pigmentin his work.
Photo: “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” c.1665.Wikimedia Commons(Public Domain)
Much like Leonardo da VincisMona Lisa, the painting is shrouded in mystery.
She wears a yellow gown, a blue and yellow turban, and a large pearl earring.
Popular during the Dutch Golden Age, a tronie is a painting of an individual intended as a study.
WhereasGirl with a Pearl Earringis right therethere is nothing between her and us.
