Jan Vermeer is known for his domestic interior scenes of ordinary life in Holland. He is particularly renowned for his masterly treatment and use of light in his work and used expensive paints for his work, despite his shaky financial status.

It is thought that Vermeer only made 2-3 paintings a year, meticulously layering paint onto the canvas to create the rich color combinations. When you couple that with the fact that he died at 45, you understand why there are only 35 verified known works by the artist and why it is such a huge deal that three pieces Officer and Laughing Girl, Mistress and Maid, and Girl Interrupted at Her Music will be hung at the Frick.