Diana and Her Companions - Jan Vermeer
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Considered to be one of Vermeers early images, this painting copying the Italian style, Vermeer developed his own individual style as his experience grew. Even in this work the interplay of light seems almost more important than the subject. The figure in the background by contrast almost seems unfinished as though Vermeer did not quite know how to paint the darker colours of the spectrum. The foliage in the background is also very basic and without much form, but by comaprison the figure of Diana is far more accomplished though the face is hidden in shadow, is this because Vermeer is struggling at this time with portraits? Only the viewer can answer this question to their own satisfaction.
Diana and Her companions
Oil on canvas
1655-56
Mauritshuis, the Hague, Netherlands.