Girl Interrupted at her Music

An extraordinary intercut detailed brushwork is the foundation of the artwork Girl Interrupted in Her Music by artist Johannes Vermeer.

The painting illustrates a transforming style for the artist as he incorporates darker shades while showcasing the classic lifestyle of the Dutch in the 17th century.

The painting showcases a young woman working on her music as an older man interrupts her. The painting is believed to symbolise a courtship relationship at the between a woman much younger than the man. The painting showcases this type of relationship as the use of music is meant to symbolize love.

Johannes Vermeer holds the signature style of incorporating a window into his work to add light into the scenery. The use of the window on the left side is placed to illuminate the face of the woman starring at the viewers. While the window adds to the light showcased throughout the room, much remains incredibly shaded darkening the room.

The woman's young face seizes the gaze of the viewer as the woman looks directly back. The woman wears a red and blue dress, paired with a white cloak around her head. Her rounded face is shown as she looks away from the man; in a dominant form as she acknowledges his presence yet turns away.

However the other way to analyze the woman within the painting as she turns away from the man and towards the viewer is that she is seeking help. This difficult context behind the painting adds to the scene as the viewer wonders what the emotion of the woman within the painting is.

The wine glass showcased on the table is tied to the element of joyfulness and seduction. The wine glass is a common characteristic of Vermeer as he incorporates in an array of settings within his work such as in The Girl With The Wine Glass. Another common characteristic present within Vermeer's work are the large mosaic windows used to illuminate different elements within the painting.

The architecture throughout the painting has said to been portrayed more in detail throughout Vermeer's career as his mastery progressed as evident within the painting. The chairs within the painting are said to be have been originated from Spain, illustrating the immense wealth the high society he portrayed carried.

The vase within the painting seems to be made of silver and likely used for serving wine. The exact vase has already been painted by Vermeer within A Girl Asleep.

Based on the man's fashionable attire, his status is predicted to be of an upper class. Based on the recurring scenery, objects, and individuals illustrated within the artwork, the scenes within Vermeer's paintings seem to be staged as he uses a collection of muses.

Within the 17th century, love and music had most popularly went hand in hand with one another, as love was believed to be manifested through music.

As the woman works on her music, the male companion is believed to be her lover within the painting. Yet, a prominent age difference is showcased between the man and woman. The darkened room is filled with the glimpse of light shown through the mosaic window, accentuating the dark and gloomy feel. The artist's beautiful portrayal of the event has become a classic artwork favoured for centuries.