Johannes Vermeer

Born in 1632 in Delft, Netherlands, Vermeer spent most of his life there. He inherited his father's art dealing business and was involved in appraising and trading art as well as painting.²

OctJohannes Vermeer was baptized on October 31, 1632.¹

Vermeer is believed to have converted to Catholicism in 1653, which may have influenced his art.³

In 1653, he converted from Protestantism to marry Catharina Bolnes, a Catholic. Living in his mother-in-law's house, they had 15 children, leading to constant financial struggles to support the large family.²

DecVermeer was registered as a member of the Guild of Saint Luke on December 29, 1653.¹

Vermeer painted 'The Procuress' around 1656, which is suggested to be a self-portrait.¹

In his late masterpiece 'The Allegory of Faith,' he departed from domestic scenes to symbolically depict Catholic dogma, reflecting his spirituality in practicing a then-restricted faith.²

The economic depression of the 'Year of Disaster' in 1672 darkened his life. As war hit the Netherlands, his income as an art dealer plummeted, and he died in 1675 at age 43, leaving heavy debts.²

The economic downturn caused by the French invasion in 1672 significantly impacted Vermeer's artistic activities.¹

DecJohannes Vermeer died on December 15, 1675, at the age of 43.¹

After his death, Vermeer was largely forgotten and called the 'Sphinx of Delft.' He was rediscovered in the 19th century by critics like Thoré-Bürger, finally establishing his global reputation.²