Jan Vermeer died three and a half centuries ago, having lived only 43 years. He left behind about 30 small paintings. These are not epic battle scenes, they do not depict famous people or significant events. There is no Rembrandt drama or Rubens stormy festivity. These are thin, chamber, breathing calm work. It's a soft light pouring out of the window. These are ordinary people, immersed in their world, engaged in everyday affairs. Here is a woman reading a letter. Here's another playing the lute. The lace maker bent over the work. The artist paints a picture. Why did it happen that it was these few and seemingly discreet works that still rivet our attention and store so many mysteries? Why do disputes about their attribution, about many fakes and imitations do not subside? Why does every Vermeer painting gather crowds of spectators around it, no matter what exhibition it turns out to be, and every museum that has the happiness of owning at least one painting of the master is proud of it as a real treasure?