The oeuvre of Johannes Vermeer (1632–1675), though consisting of only 35 known works, is considered one of the most significant and inspired portfolios in the history of art. His paintings have sparked a New York Times bestseller, a movie starring Scarlett Johansson, and record visitor numbers at art institutions from Amsterdam to Washington. Vermeer's subjects focus on everyday domestic activities, such as letter writing, music, and kitchen preparations. The scenes impress with meticulous detail, magnificent levels of light, and Vermeer’s exceptional ability to highlight narrative intrigues. In beloved works such as 'The Lady Standing in a Vermeer', 'A Lady Writing a Letter with Her Maid', and, most famously, the mysterious and enchanting 'Girl with a Pearl Earring', Vermeer evokes not only the effects of substances and textures but also the many stories and secrets hidden beneath. Including all of Vermeer’s known works and concise, accessible texts, this essential introduction explores Vermeer's primacy in art history and his unique ability to turn oil into a living, breathing scene of human life.