Fine Art
Jan Vermeer van Haarlem the Elder

Jan Vermeer van Haarlem the Elder

Dutch, 1590–1675

Jan Vermeer van Haarlem the Elder was a Dutch painter active during the Dutch Golden Age. He is known for his contributions to the genre of still life and for his depictions of everyday life. Vermeer was born in 1590 in Haarlem, Netherlands, and little is known about his early training. He likely studied under local masters and was influenced by the work of other Haarlem painters. He became a member of the Haarlem Guild of St. Luke in 1613. Vermeer married Margriet de Geer in 1615, and they had several children. His career flourished in the 1620s and 1630s, during which he produced notable works such as 'Still Life with a Skull' and 'The Procuress'. Vermeer's style is characterized by meticulous detail, a rich color palette, and a focus on light and texture. He is significant for his role in the development of still life painting and for his influence on later artists. Vermeer died in 1675 in Haarlem, leaving behind a legacy that would be appreciated in later centuries.

7 artworks