Johannes, Jan or Johan Vermeer (1632-1675). Dutch painter. He enjoyed painting scenes from life and common situations in the households of townspeople. During his lifetime, he did not become famous and in his time, he was rather a provincial painter. He worked carefully and slowly; he loved to work with light and used brilliant colours with expensive pigments. His art was rediscovered in the 19th century and he has since slowly become a recognized and sought-after painter. He allegedly worked with the obscura camera to achieve true perspective and composition. Often his paintings depict one or two figures at the window. His most famous work is considered to be Girl with a Pearl Earring.