The magical paintings of Jan Vermeer (1632-1675) cast a universal spell, yet his life and personality are among the most elusive in the annals of art. This volume makes available the results of the latest research on Vermeer and reproduces all of his authenticated works and several large details. The author, Arthur K. Wheelock, Jr., was the curator of the enormously popular Vermeer exhibition at the National Gallery of Art in 1996.