Johannes Vermeer was a Dutch painter from the 17th century, known for his exquisite use of light and color. He specialized in domestic interior scenes, often depicting women engaged in everyday activities. His most famous work, Girl with a Pearl Earring, showcases his mastery of capturing human emotion and detail. Vermeer created only about 34 paintings during his lifetime, making each one highly valued. His technique involved layering paint to achieve depth and luminosity. Although he was not widely recognized during his lifetime, Vermeer is now celebrated as one of the greatest painters of the Dutch Golden Age.