1632 – ✝ 1675
Johannes Vermeer
The 'Master of Light', 'Sphinx of Delft', or Johannes Vermeer, is perhaps the most famous painter in Dutch history. With his unique works, in which the stunning rendering of sunlight is particularly striking, this Delft native achieved international fame. However, Vermeer died as a pauper ...
Eleven children
It is not certain who trained Vermeer, or who inspired him. The fact is that his paintings display an exceptional talent. Talent that was hardly recognised during Vermeer's lifetime. The number of paintings he sold - probably about two or three a year - was not enough to live on. Vermeer died a gloomy pauper, leaving behind his wife and eleven children.
Mona Lisa of the North
Vermeer's paintings suddenly became popular in the nineteenth century, when French art critic Théophile Thoré-Bürger 'discovered' him. He nicknamed Vermeer the 'Sphinx of Delft' because so little was known about him. His works became scattered all over the world. Most famous is perhaps the 'Girl with a Pearl Earring'. It is also known as the 'Mona Lisa of the North', because the girl keeps looking at the viewer no matter where they stand.
Friends?
Some claim that Johannes Vermeer was friends with scientist Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, and that the latter was the model for the paintings 'The Geographer' and 'The Astronomer'. The fact is that the gentlemen were baptised four days apart in the Nieuwe Kerk, and that they lived in Delft during the same period. That they were friends, however, has never been proven.
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Maarten Tromp
Maarten Harpertszoon Tromp is perhaps the most notable naval hero in Dutch history. At a time of international tension and increasing world trade, he served alternately in merchant shipping and the navy. From there, he worked his way up from ship's boy to commander-in-chief.
Piet Hein
'Piet Hein, his name is small, his deeds are great, his deeds are great, he has won the Silver Fleet ...' The triumphant lyrics of the famous song about Piet Hein. In 1628, he hijacked a very valuable sea transport from the Spanish ruler, making him one of Holland's most famous naval heroes.
Clara van Spaerwoude
Clara van Spaerwoude is inextricably linked to Delft history. There is even a Delft street named after her. Van Spaerwoude became best known for her enormous inheritance, which she distributed in the form of wedding gifts. Until over three hundred years after her death, she used them to make many couples happy.
Antoni van Leeuwenhoek
Antoni van Leeuwenhoek is best known as the man who improved the microscope. However, he also made several progressive scientific discoveries. Still today, this pioneer is respected for his extraordinary achievements as an inventor and researcher.
Johannes Vermeer
The 'Master of Light', 'Sphinx of Delft', or Johannes Vermeer, is perhaps the most famous painter in Dutch history. With his unique works, in which the stunning rendering of sunlight is particularly striking, this Delft native achieved international fame. However, Vermeer died as a pauper ...
Huibert Poot
'How satisfyingly rolls the life, of the rested lanterman, who would give zyn blissful fate, however small, for no king's crown!' So reads the beginning of 'Akkerleven', by poet Hubert Korneliszoon (Huibert) Poot. Thanks in part to this poem, Poot acquired an indelible place in Dutch history.
Anthonie Heinsius
Anthonie Heinsius was een uit Delft afkomstig staatsman in de tijd van stadhouder Willem III van Oranje. Begonnen als advocaat, werkte hij zich uiteindelijk op tot raadspensionaris van het gewest Holland – zij het niet helemaal vrijwillig …
Johannes Stalpaert van der Wiele
After the Eighty Years' War (1568-1648), Protestantism became the dominant religion in the Netherlands. The Iconoclasts had violently stripped all churches of images of saints. Catholics were forced to meet in hideaway churches. Poet, lawyer and priest Johannes Stalpaert van der Wiele stood up for them.