Johannes Vermeer was a Dutch painter born in 1632 in Delft, Netherlands. He is best known for his masterful use of light and color, creating intimate scenes of domestic life. Vermeer’s most famous works include Girl with a Pearl Earring and The Milkmaid, which showcase his ability to capture everyday moments with remarkable detail. Despite his talent, Vermeer was not widely recognized during his lifetime and produced only about 34 paintings. He worked primarily in the genre of Baroque art, and his unique style has made him one of the most celebrated painters in Western art history.