Johannes Vermeer – The Allegory of Faith

Description

The Allegory of Faith

This and Art of Painting are his only works that fall under history painting in the contemporary hierarchy of genres, though they still have his typical composition of one or two figures in a domestic interior. Both share several features: the perspective is almost the same, and there is a multicolor tapestry at the left of each painting, pulled to the left to disclose the scene. The Art of Painting also uses symbolism from Cesare Ripa of Clio, muse of history. Vermeer’s Love Letter uses a similar gilt panel^.  The Allegory and The Art of Painting differ markedly in style and purpose from Vermeer’s other works.

Further Reading