Catharina Bolnes’ Early Life
Catharina Bolnes was born in 1631 in Gouda, Netherlands to unknown parents. Not much is known about her early life, except that she married the famous Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer in 1653.
Children
Catharina and Johannes Vermeer had 15 children, of which only 11 survived infancy. Their children were Maria, Elisabeth, Cornelia, Aleydis, Beatrix, Johannes, Gertruyd, Franciscus, Catharina, Ignatius, and Constantijn. Unfortunately, Catharina outlived six of her children, including her husband Johannes, who died in 1675.
Spouse
Catharina married the Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer in 1653, when she was 22 years old. They had a happy marriage and remained together until Johannes’ death in 1675.
Catharina Bolnes’ Career and Interests
There is no record of Catharina Bolnes having a career outside of her duties as a wife and mother. However, she was married to one of the most famous painters of the Dutch Golden Age, Johannes Vermeer. Her husband’s works are known for their realism, vibrant colors, and subtle use of light. It is speculated that Catharina may have had some influence on her husband’s works, possibly as a model or advisor.
More About Catharina Bolnes
Catharina Bolnes lived a relatively quiet life as the wife of a successful painter. She was known for her devotion to her husband and children, and for being a supportive and loving wife. After her husband’s death in 1675, she struggled to support her family financially, and even had to sell some of her husband’s paintings to make ends meet. She died on December 30, 1687, in Delft, Netherlands.
Although Catharina Bolnes’ life may seem unremarkable, her husband’s paintings have stood the test of time and are now highly prized works of art. As the wife of Johannes Vermeer, she played an important role in his life and art, and her legacy lives on through his paintings.