![Johnnes Vermeer - Allegory of Painting or The Art of Painting [c.1666]](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5568/15108454729_64543276d0_o.jpg)
The painting depicts an artist painting a female subject in his studio, by a window, with a large map of the Low countries on the wall behind. Vermeer signed the painting on the map, behind the model's neck, but did not date it. Most experts believe it was done between 1665/1668, but some suggest the work could have been created as late as 1670-1675. In 1663 Vermeer had been visited by Balthasar de Monconys, but had no painting to show. It was possibly done "in order to have an outstanding specimen of his art in his studio." Vermeer obviously liked the painting; he never sold it during his lifetime. It stands as a kind of summary and assessment of what has been done.
[Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna - Oil on canvas, 120 x 100 cm]