Jan Vermeer

Only 34 paintings are attributed to Jan Vermeer, with 5 more under question. His works have never been sold at auction in the 21st century, but if this were to happen, it would likely set a new record for the highest price for a lot.
Vermeer was popular during his lifetime, but after his death, he was forgotten to such an extent that, in the early 19th century, his signatures were painted over and attributed to more famous artists. About 150 years ago, the pendulum of public interest swung sharply in the opposite direction, and his paintings began to gain popularity so rapidly that they were actively counterfeited.