VERMEER, Johannes
(b. 1632, Delft, d. 1675, Delft)

Girl Interrupted at Her Music (detail)

1660-61
Oil on canvas
Frick Collection, New York

The young girl looks out at the viewer, and takes time off from the making of music. It has been suggested that the Cupid on the wall conveys the emblematic meaning of unrequited love. Only the gentleman seems to be fully absorbed by his feelings, whereas the young woman appears distracted and inattentive.