Jan Vermeer (1632-1675) is one of the most highly regarded Dutch artists of all time. Although his artworks have been a source of inspiration for centuries, his life remained a mystery. His father worked as a tavern keeper and an art merchant and Vermeer inherited these businesses after his death. Most of his masterworks focus on domestic scenes.

‘The Art of Painting’ (1665-1668), oil on canvas, 51 inches x 43 inches, the illusionist artwork depicts an artist painting a woman in blue dress, who is posing as a model in his studio. She is standing by a window and a large map of the Low Countries hangs on the wall behind her. Vermeer liked this painting a lot and never sold it during his lifetime. It is owned by the Austrian Republic and displayed at Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna. — M.Z.A.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine September 25th, 2016