About Johannes Vermeer
Johannes Vermeer spent his life in Delft and painted quiet interiors in which one or two people read, write, pour milk or play music in soft daylight from a window. Fewer than 40 paintings are attributed to him, which makes each one precious.
He was largely forgotten after his death and rediscovered by critics in the nineteenth century. Today Girl with a Pearl Earring and The Milkmaid are among the best loved paintings in the world.
Where to see Johannes Vermeer's famous paintings
| Painting | Date | Where |
|---|---|---|
| The Milkmaid | c. 1660 | Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam |
| View of Delft | c. 1660 to 1661 | Mauritshuis, The Hague |
| Young Woman with a Water Pitcher | c. 1662 | The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York |
| Woman Holding a Balance | c. 1664 | National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC |
| Girl with a Pearl Earring | c. 1665 | Mauritshuis, The Hague |
| Girl with the Red Hat | c. 1669 | National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC |
How big are they?
The paintings drawn to scale next to a person 1.7 m tall.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most famous paintings by Johannes Vermeer?
The Milkmaid, View of Delft, Young Woman with a Water Pitcher, Woman Holding a Balance, Girl with a Pearl Earring, Girl with the Red Hat.
Where can I see paintings by Johannes Vermeer?
The Milkmaid at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam; View of Delft at the Mauritshuis in The Hague; Young Woman with a Water Pitcher at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York; Woman Holding a Balance at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC; Girl with a Pearl Earring at the Mauritshuis in The Hague; Girl with the Red Hat at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC.
When did Johannes Vermeer live?
Johannes Vermeer was born in 1632 and died in 1675.
Sources: Wikidata Q41264. Checked October 17, 2026. How we check.