Jan Vermeer is one of the most important Dutch painters of the Baroque period. The data in the life of the Dutch painter of genre based on the baptism at 31.10.1632 in Delft and his local burial at the 15.12.1675. Since there was no school of painting in Delft at that time, the son of a silk Weaver, art dealer and innkeeper received technical training. Inclusion in the Delft Guild of Saint Luke 1650 testify to for his work as a painter. Today, only 37 paintings by his hand are yet known. Thematically, he focused on the genre painting, because in his Œuvre there are only a few portraits or religious pictures.

Quiet, security and peace of mind broadcast the views of the interior. With subtle colour harmonies and subtle shadows was the Delft painter to achieve these effects. In addition, he was a master of the shortened perspective. The genre paintings show little figurine-scenes which often attributed to a vivid symbol content.

Emphasized is Vermeer's Delft Cityscape from 1661, demonstrates the naturalism of high master ship. Besides, was "The Girl with a Pearl Earring" the epitome of beauty and grace. For the painter, it was a challenge to bring the viewer into contact with the model. Cleverly makes eye contact Young woman connects, but simultaneously achieved through the body back facing away distance. Rightly seen many generations of art lovers of the extraordinary expression of the image have been fascinated.

Vermeer was seeking perfection in his paintings, so often just four pictures were taken in the year. The father of eleven children had therefore also opposed to fight financial emergency, which grew in the last years of his life. Already after his death Jan Vermeer fell into oblivion. Not until the middle of the 19th century he learned again to appreciate the quality of his images.