The "Painter in his Studio" is the most famous and the largest painting by the Dutch Baroque painter Johannes Vermeer (baptized 1632, buried 1675). It is one of two allegory paintings that the painter did between 1666 and 1668. The special thing about this painting is that its served as a showpiece for potential buyers and it never left the studio during the painter's lifetime. It is still considered today to be Vermeer's artistic bequest .

The Museum of Fine Arts illuminates this in its exhibit " Vermeer's painting. On the trail of a masterpiece " using pieces that correspond to the ones in the painting, shedding a light on the iconography of the picture. Among other things, viewers can see Claes Jansz's original map of the 17 provinces that is depicted in the painting. The exhibit also examines Vermeer's work methods and the condition of the painting today. Finally, the Museum of Fine Arts is showing paintings, sculptures and film clippings of contemporary artists that have been inspired by Vermeer's "Painter in his Studio".

Vermeer's painting. On the trail of a masterpiece.

January 26 to April 25, 2010
Tue-Sun 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Museum of Fine Arts (KHM)
1., Maria Theresien-Platz
Visitors under 19: free admission
Vienna-Card 11 instead of 12 euros
www.khm.at