Mariet Westermann analyzes Vermeer's work and his place in the history of art on the basis of Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum's four paintings, which span the range of his production from early to late, from cityscape to genre, from domestic chores to refined living. Examines 4 paintings by Vermmer in the Riijkmuseum's collection - 'The Little Street', 'The Kitchen Maid', 'Woman Reading a Letter' and 'The Love Letter' - which span is whole career.