    Johannes Vermeer, Woman Holding a Balance, c. 1664, National Gallery of Art, Widener CollectionHis sensitivity to color was equally remarkable. Vermeer used the best available pigments, such as natural ultramarine and lead-tin yellow, and fully understood the optical characteristics of color. For example, in the woman's costume he applied a thin blue layer of paint over a reddish-brown layer, infusing the cool blue tones with inner warmth.  
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