The Allegory of Painting

JohannesVermeer
1665-67

A tapestry is pushed to the side revealing an intimate seen of an artist painting a woman modeling as Clio, the muse of History. Clio, comes from Greek mythology and has its roots from the word klieo meaning recount or make famous. The model holds a trumpet and a book, symbolizing history. The crown of laurel she wears is a symbol of fame and is also the same type of crown given to winners of the Pythian Games, which were given in honor of Apollo. The overall symbolism suggests the importance of history to the visual artist. 

There is a double headed eagle on top of the chandelier which is a symbol of the Habsburg Monarchy, but can also be seen as a symbol of the Catholic faith. The lack of candles would represent a suppression of faith or the ineffectiveness of the Habsburg Monarchy.  

The map of Holland in association with the crown laurels on top of Cleo are thought to imply Vermeer will make the Netherlands famous with his work. A rip / fold in the map divides the Netherlands between the north and south and speculated to symbolize the ineffectiveness of the Habsburg Monarchy to unite the regions. 

Leo Belgicus - Duch Lion - Netherlandic Lion

The mask on the table is thought to be a "death mask" and is also said to be a representation of the ineffective monarchy but in most cases during this period and region a death mask was an effigy created for kings or people of high nobility. Since this painting is also thought to be a self portrait of Vermeer it is thought that the mask represents Vermeer's unseen face and again symbolize how he will be remembered historically. 

The map in the background was first done by Claes Jansz Visscher in the early 16th century

. 

Raphael - Allegory of History of Art