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Three paintings by Jan Vermeer
It’s not a picture of a girl, but a picture of someone painting a girl. In Islam it might be considered an act of sacrilege. The man is creating her anew, creating her in her own image. First she will be wreathed, as in victory, then the rest of her will follow. In her hand she holds a trumpet. It draws the eye, and perhaps can also call forth the angels. Or maybe a talisman. You can still feel the presence behind her, as though he just left. His chair is pulled out from the table, and the cloth pulled up. He’s left her sleeping while sitting up, lightly balanced on…
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Girl Asleep at a Table, Jan Vermeer
Girl Asleep at a Table, 1656-57, Jan Vermeer