Vermeer by Andrew Graham-Dixon

While he is considered one of the greatest Dutch painters from the 1600s, along with Rembrandt, there was a time when Johannes Vermeer was largely forgotten until his work was rediscovered. This new biography not only explores Vermeer’s life but also the times he lived in, when the Dutch were fighting for independence and the Golden Age of Dutch wealth and influence, until it all came tumbling down.

Vermeer might not have been the most prolific painter; it is believed he only produced 36 paintings during his life due to the time he took on each one, and was considered more of a dealer of other great Dutch painters, one of the first art dealers in history. But the works he created have become some of the most celebrated paintings from the 1600s in Europe, with many of his exhibitions drawing crowds. Some of his works include the iconic Girl with a Pearl Earring and Lady Writing a Letter with her Maid.

Andrew Graham-Dixon goes into great detail about the world Vermeer inhabited, but also his life, and fans of Vermeer will enjoy the book.