"Jan Vermeer is one of the most important painters of Dutch Baroque art. Technical brilliance, timeless beauty and a mysterious aura make his works icons of art history. World-famous are The Girl with the Pearl Earring with her dreamy gaze or the Lacemaker practicing her skillful craft with utter concentration. Paintings of domestic scenes, witty allegories and intimate snapshots reflect the Golden Age of seventeenth century Dutch art and continue to fascinate to this day."-- Back cover.