Johannes Vermeer - The Astronomer [c.1668]

Portrayals of scientists were a favourite topic in 17th century Dutch painting and Vermeer's oeuvre includes both this astronomer and the slightly later The Geographer. Both are believed to portray the same man, possibly Antonie van Leeuwenhoek.

 

The astronomer's profession is shown by the celestial globe and the book on the table. Symbolically, the volume is open to Book III, a section advising the astronomer to seek "inspiration from God" and the painting on the wall shows the finding of Moses, Moses may represent knowledge and science "learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians.”

 

[Musée du Louvre, Paris - Oil on canvas, 51 x 45 cm]

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