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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 5 page paper analyzes this painting by Jan Vermeer. Also examined is its historical perspective of northern attitudes toward family and home. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
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5 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_MBverneer.rtf
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presuppositions, and philosophies of the artist and his concept of the true scheme of life. Heavily symbolic, this work reflects the attitude of the northern middle class toward the home
in the 1600s. The picture is primarily dark with one lone figure, that of a pregnant woman, standing before a table, holding a delicate balance in her right hand.
The light from a window, placed near the ceiling, is the only illumination. The light only illuminates the womans face, hand, sleeve, the balance, and it barely illuminates a picture
on the far wall of the Last Judgment. Below the balance, on the table, are a collection of jewels and precious gems. There is nothing in the balance that she
holds. What is remarkable about this painting is that the key element in this picture is NOT the balance. Most immediately think this, but it is not so. This
is why. Vermeers lines all come to a point at the womans finger, making the finger the focal point of the piece, not the balance(Vermeer 2003). Even the frame
of the picture of the Last Judgment which hangs behind her points to her finger. The expression on the womans face says much about the attitude of society in regard
to hearth and home. Her expression is one of serenity, and reminds one of the Madonnas expression. In this respect, then, women were seen to be pure and the symbol
of goodness in the world. They are most at this point when they are married with children. There has been some contention among scholars as to whether she is pregnant
or not, but one has to think that she is given that the light specifically illuminates her stomach, revealing it to be important to the message. The balance generally represents
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