books0977: The Art of Painting, detail of model, (c.1666). Johannes Vermeer (Dutch, 1632-1675). Oil
books0977: The Art of Painting, detail of model, (c.1666). Johannes Vermeer (Dutch, 1632-1675). Oil on canvas. Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna. The model is dressed as Clio, the muse of history. As the painter records her image, he is not so much the recipient of the muse’s inspiration as the agent through whom she takes on life and significance. Clio wears a crown of laurel on her head to denote honor, glory, and eternal life. She holds a trumpet, which stands for fame, and clasps a thick folio, perhaps a volume of Thucydides, which symbolizes history. Incredible. -- source link