“Girl Interrupted at Her Music” Johannes Vermeer (c.1658). On Display at the Frick Collection in NYC. Vermeer was underappreciated during his lifetime, but if it’s any consolation his ~35ish paintings are now some of the most well studied and sought after paintings in the world. In the US, we only have 3 museums with permanent Vermeers on display. The Frick Collection and a few blocks North, the Met in New York City as well as the National Gallery in DC.

The first thing you notice when you first observe Vermeer’s work is that they are small, very small; especially if you are used to looking at Italian, Spanish and French Baroque pieces. For example this piece measures only 15 1/2 x 17 1/2 in. (39.4 x 44.5 cm). Once you get over the size and get in for a closer look you will find amazing detail and mastery of light. You can see the notes on the sheet music and the cittern (stringed instrument). I wonder if anyone has tried to identify what song is the page?