Lapis Lazuli and Jan Vermeer

Written by Teresita Blanco (The Artsy Sister)

Vermeer was a famous Dutch baroque painter. He died in poverty, but the art historians love his work. He is famous for his usage of Lapis lazuli. This was an expensive pigment.

 At the time, it could only be found in Afghanistan, Russia and Chile. So, you can guess the shipping costs. The pigment was first used in the Procuress painting. It was in a vase that was near the maiden’s jug. He then added it to the milkmaid.

 It is interesting how he used such an expensive pigment for peasant clothing. His Girl with a Pearl earring was a study were to apply the Lapis Lazuli.

In one work, he uses it on the turban and in another in a scarf. It is interesting to note that he has that same one pair of earrings. You can find those same earrings in a bunch of his paintings.

I hope you find this observation educational. There is a video of this topic in my Artsy Sister Youtube channel. Please give a like and subscribe.