Johannes Vermeer painter of light.

The Geographer 1668-1669 and Girl with red hat 1665
The light originates from the window at the left side of the picture

Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) is one of the most famous painters of the Dutch School.

His works are rare. Of the 35 or 36 paintings generally attributed to him, most portray figures in interiors. Usually there is a window at the left side of his picture; the source of the daylight. He handles this beautiful daylight in a very poetic way. All his works are admired for the sensitivity in which he expressed the subtleties of the shades of light.

Light is the focus of many Dutch artists. Painters as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Jongkind, Dibbets etc. are famous for their use of light. The beautiful Dutch light influences the way many Dutch artists work.