A Devout Balance: Vermeer’s Use of Catholic Symbols in Woman Holding a Balance

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Art History Session 2: Persistent Symbols: Art and Meaning
Mentor: Dr. Anne H. Muraoka

Description/Abstract/Artist Statement

It is known that Vermeer’s conversion to Catholicism had a profound effect on his life. However, his work Woman Holding a Balance is widely ignored in this respect. My paper addresses this gap with attention to the symbolism as a story. I will be looking at the pearls, the scene of the Last Judgment and the female figure. I argue that these specific symbols, along with others, create a story of a woman’s life. In conclusion, by closely examining the symbols in this painting, I hope to shed new light on Woman Holding a Balance in relation to Vermeer’s Catholicism.

Presentation Type

Event

Location

Learning Commons @ Perry Library, Room 1306

Start Date

2-18-2017 10:15 AM

End Date

2-18-2017 11:15 AM

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Feb 18th, 10:15 AM Feb 18th, 11:15 AM

A Devout Balance: Vermeer’s Use of Catholic Symbols in Woman Holding a Balance

Learning Commons @ Perry Library, Room 1306

It is known that Vermeer’s conversion to Catholicism had a profound effect on his life. However, his work Woman Holding a Balance is widely ignored in this respect. My paper addresses this gap with attention to the symbolism as a story. I will be looking at the pearls, the scene of the Last Judgment and the female figure. I argue that these specific symbols, along with others, create a story of a woman’s life. In conclusion, by closely examining the symbols in this painting, I hope to shed new light on Woman Holding a Balance in relation to Vermeer’s Catholicism.