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

Officer with a Laughing Girl (detail)

c. 1657
Oil on canvas
Frick Collection, New York

In contrast to the young woman, the soldier in the black hat and red jacket is placed close to the viewer, from whom he turns his back. He is hardly more than a silhouette, but rather overpowering, given the relative importance accorded his bodily appearance.