Johannes Vermeer is a dutch painter of the 1600s. In the text book the topic of discussion is her painting "Woman holding a Balance" completed in 1664. This particular painting shows the viewers a woman -the text book debates whether she is pregnant or not- holding a jewler’s scale. The scale just so happens to fall in the very middle of the painting. On the table beneath the scale is an assortment of shiny gems and metals. In the painting’s background is a vague painting showing the last judgement, lending more meaning to the painting.
In her painting Vermeer gently touches on the topic of Life and Death as well as vanity and greed. She makes those viewing the painting contemplate such things as well as their own self-image.
Contrary to Vermeer’s painting, Frida Kahlo’s painting titled “Self-Portrait with Monkeys” done in 1943 Gives the viewer no hint, clue, or the slightest insight to the meaning behind the painting. We cannot tell what the thoughts that could be weighing on her mind are or if there even were any thoughts or pressing concerns on her mind. Instead in the painting she is a closed book, indifferent and unexpressive both in pose and expression. The monkeys in the background lend to this feeling of distance, giving no clue to any deeper meaning other than being posed around her, guarding the subject and peering out from the foliage of the background. Contrary to the subject and the monkeys, the background proves to be very interesting. It is bright, warm, and vibrant. In a way the background gives us more insight and expression than the subject herself.
This painting seems to be the complete opposite of “Woman Holding a Balance”. One is full of possible meanings, brimming with questions, and possessing more of a somber, darker range of colors. All the while the other is a self-portrait that is vibrant in colors but not meaning that gives our brains a chance to rest from relentless questions and thoughts.
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