Johannes Vermeer was a Dutch Baroque artist and is considered one of the most important painters of the Dutch Golden Age. His works often depict quiet, intimate scenes of domestic life in the Netherlands during the 17th century. His most famous painting, Girl with a Pearl Earring, gained worldwide recognition for its mysterious aura. Despite his exceptional artistry, Vermeer remained largely unknown during his lifetime but was later discovered and recognized as a master of light and subtle composition.