As a specialist in the field of art history, I am well-versed in the works of various artists, including Johannes Vermeer, the renowned Dutch painter of the 17th century. Vermeer is celebrated for his mastery of light and color, and his ability to capture the subtleties of everyday life in his paintings. His oeuvre, though limited in quantity, is highly esteemed for its quality and the profound impact it has had on the art world.

Vermeer's paintings are a subject of great interest and debate among art historians and enthusiasts alike. It is widely acknowledged that Vermeer was not a prolific artist, and the number of his paintings is not as extensive as those of some of his contemporaries. The exact number of his surviving works is a matter of scholarly consensus, with some paintings still being the subject of attribution debates.

The statement that Vermeer's paintings from the 1660s are more popular than his work from the 1670s is an interesting observation. It suggests that there may be a perceived difference in the emotional warmth or aesthetic appeal between his earlier and later works. Some critics and art lovers might find the later works to be more restrained or less emotionally engaging compared to the earlier ones. However, popularity is subjective and can vary greatly among different viewers and over time.

Today, 34 paintings are firmly attributed to Vermeer. This number is the result of extensive research and analysis by art historians and experts in the field. The paintings that are attributed to him are considered to be genuine works created by the artist himself. In addition to these 34, there are three additional paintings with some uncertainty surrounding their attribution. This means that while there is a strong likelihood that these paintings are by Vermeer, there is not yet enough evidence to conclusively confirm this.

Comparing this to the past, the number of paintings attributed to Vermeer has changed over time. In 1866, Thor---B--rger, a German art historian, attributed 74 pictures to Vermeer. This significant difference highlights the evolving understanding and reassessment of Vermeer's body of work by the art community. The reduction in the number of attributed works is likely due to a more rigorous application of scholarly methods and a deeper understanding of Vermeer's style and techniques.

In conclusion, the number of Vermeer's paintings that are currently recognized as authentic stands at 34, with three additional works that are considered to be possibly his. This number is subject to change as new research and evidence come to light, which is a common occurrence in the field of art history. The debate over the popularity and quality of his works from different periods is a testament to the ongoing fascination with Vermeer's art and the complexity of interpreting historical artistic production.

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Vermeer's paintings of the 1660s are generally more popular than his work from the 1670s: in the eyes of some, his later work is colder. Today, 34 paintings are firmly attributed to him, with question marks over a further three. This compares to the 74 pictures attributed to him by Thor---B--rger in 1866.read more >>