Vermeer not only paved the way for genre painters to come for years, serving as a major inspiration to many Impressionist painters, but he connected with viewers through his art in a way that had never been done before. Somehow, without any words or intricate backstories to his paintings, he managed to capture the heart of the everyday viewer. The reason that his work continues to hold such meaning even today, long after his own time, is because Vermeer did not paint for his time. He painted for himself, detached from any one specific time period or era, and in doing so captured the seemingly mundane moments in life that are timelessly beautiful to all.

 

Even today, Vermeer's legacy of mystery continues to fascinate and challenge art historians, dealers and enthusiasts. The ongoing debate over the authenticity of some of the works accredited to Vermeer has kept him alive and relevant in the art world long past his death. In a way, the mystery of Vermeer's life, techniques and works is the essential characteristic to the charm and fascination of the extraordinary painter.