Eros2.0002_Vermeer

Johannes Vermeer, 1632-1675, "A Young Woman Standing at a Virginal," oil on canvas, about 1670-1672, London, The National Gallery, NG1383.

E. Langmuir, The National Gallery: companion guide, rev. ed. (1997): ..."Vermeer injected narrative or allegorical significance even into his domestic interiors. The young woman strokes the keys of the virginal — a smaller version of the harpischord — but looks expectantly out of the picture. ... Cupid holding up a playing card or tablet has been related to an emblem of fidelity to one lover, as illustrated in one of the contemporary Dutch emblem books, where the image is explained in the accompanying motto and text." The inset painting (of Cupid, still) has been attributed to Cesar van Everdingen; it may allude to "faithfulness to one lover or, in conjunction with the virginal, to the traditional association of music and love." (NatGal website).