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The life story of Johannes Vermeer is one of relative obscurity and modest prices, followed by a sensational rediscovery that changed the value of his oeuvre forever.
The 17th century: a painting for a year's income
During his lifetime, Vermeer was a respected painter in Delft, but he was certainly no superstar. He sold his work mainly to a small circle of local patrons, such as the baker Hendrick van Buyten. The prices of his paintings were considerable for that time, but paled in comparison to the prices of, for example, a Rembrandt.
- In 1663, the French ambassador Balthasar de Monconys visited Delft and saw a Vermeer offered for sale for 600 guilders. He considered this too expensive for a painting with only one figure. By way of comparison, this amount was roughly equivalent to the annual income of a well-paid craftsman. Today, that would amount to between €50,000 and €70,000.
- After his death in 1675, Vermeer left his wife and eleven children with considerable debt. The sale of his estate after his death showed that, although his paintings were appreciated, the prices were not sufficient to ensure his family's prosperity.
Vermeer's fame faded after his death. He became a footnote in art history and many of his works were attributed to other, more famous painters.
The 19th Century: the rediscovery and the early years of price increases
The radical change in Vermeer's status only began in the 19th century, thanks to the French art critic Théophile Thoré-Bürger. His tireless research and fascination with the Dutch master brought Vermeer back into the spotlight. His publications in the 1860s sparked a “Vermeer craze” that turned the art world upside down.
This led to a spectacular increase in value, although prices were still modest compared to today. An iconic example is the purchase of Girl with a Pearl Earring.
- In 1881, the painting was sold at an auction in The Hague for only 2 guilders and 30 cents. Two neighbours, Victor de Stuers and Arnoldus Andries des Tombe, recognised its potential and agreed not to bid against each other, resulting in this bargain price. Des Tombe bought the painting and later donated it to the Mauritshuis, where it has since become a world-famous masterpiece.
Today: priceless and unattainable
The upward trend that began in the 19th century has continued to this day. Most of Vermeer's only 35 known works are in the collections of top museums around the world and will never again be available on the open market.
- One of the last Vermeers to be auctioned was Saint Praxedis in 2014, which sold for 7.8 million euros. The authenticity of this painting is controversial, which influenced the price.
- Another work, Young Woman at the Virginal, was sold in 2004 for €21 million.
- But for the absolute masterpieces, such as The Milkmaid or Girl with a Pearl Earring, there is no market. Their value is simply priceless. Experts estimate the value of such paintings at hundreds of millions of dollars, should they ever be auctioned.
The enormous increase in Vermeer's value is the result of a combination of an extremely small oeuvre (scarcity), his unique and masterful technique, and his rediscovery by a visionary art critic. Vermeer's story is proof of how the reputation and value of art can be rewritten over time and how an artist, once appreciated only by a small circle, can become one of the most beloved figures in art history.