What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Paul Taylor, a specialist in 17th-century Dutch art, has proposed that Johannes Vermeer’s famous painting 'The Art of Painting' may not be the work referenced in a 1676 legal document by Vermeer’s widow, Catharina. Taylor argues that the term 'de schilderconst' used in the document refers to allegories of painting, not scenes of artists in studios. This suggests that the painting mentioned could be a different, lost work. The Rijksmuseum had planned to feature 'The Art of Painting' in its Vermeer exhibition, but the Kunsthistorisches Museum deemed it too fragile to travel.
Why It's Important?
This revelation could reshape the understanding of Vermeer’s oeuvre and influence art historical scholarship. If a lost Vermeer painting exists, it could significantly impact the art market and museum exhibitions. The possibility of discovering a new Vermeer work would be a major event in the art world, potentially leading to new insights into the artist’s techniques and themes.
What's Next?
Further research and exploration may be conducted to locate the potentially lost Vermeer painting. Art historians and museums might collaborate to investigate other documents or paintings from the period that could provide clues. The art community will likely follow developments closely, as any discovery could have profound implications for Vermeer studies.
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