In the context of this artwork, explain the Symbolism and allegory of the Description.
Vermeer had a theoretical interest for painting. The subject is presumed to be Fama, Pictura,: 172  or Clio, the Muse of History, evidenced by her wearing a laurel wreath, holding a  trumpet, possibly carrying a book by Herodotus or Thucydides, which matches the description in Cesare Ripa's 16th century book on emblems and personifications entitled Iconologia. However, according to Ripa History should look back  and not down as in this painting. Following Vermeer's contemporary Gerard de Lairesse, interested in French Classicism and Ripa, there is another explanation; he mentions history and poetry as the main resources of a painter. The woman in blue could be representing poetry,: 175  pointing to Plutarch who observed that "Simonides calls painting silent poetry and poetry painting that speaks", later paraphrased by the Latin poet Horace as ut pictura poesis. If so, the map is representing history.
The double-headed eagle, symbol of the Habsburg Holy Roman Empire, which possibly adorns the central golden chandelier, may represent the former rulers of the Low Countries.  The large map on the back wall has a prominent crease that divides the Seventeen Provinces into the north and south. (West is at the top of the map.) The crease may symbolize the division between the Dutch Republic to the north and southern provinces under Habsburg rule. The map  shows the earlier political division between the Union of Utrecht to the north, and the loyal provinces to the south. This interpretation might have appealed to Hitler who owned the painting during the war.: 182  According to Liedtke a political interpretation of the map and the Habsburg eagle is unconvincing; they overlook other motives. The map could suggest though that painting has brought fame to the Netherlands; ships sailing over the folds suggest that.
History Iconologia Seventeen Provinces Holy Roman Empire chandelier symbol Clio Dutch Republic Symbol painting Pictura Low Countries French Classicism Horace Cesare Ripa Habsburg crease allegory ut pictura poesis laurel wreath Dutch Plutarch trumpet Fama double-headed eagle Simonides emblem Gerard de Lairesse Muse Herodotus Thucydides southern provinces Union of Utrecht Netherlands