The Astronomer 1668 oil on canvasA room for an astronomer who is studying the stars and locating certain constellations on his globe with the help of Adrian Metius' Institutiones Astronomicae & Geographicae is richly depicted by Vermeer.
The golden light that illuminates the astronomy equipment on the desk emphasises the studious surroundings of the sitter. However, the golden light is treated as a "light of knowledge", passing knowledge and wisdom to the sitter. The astronomer is fascinated by his work, all his attention is devoted to the equipment on his desk, and all outside distractions have no effect on him.
A cosy, private and silent interior is suggested by the closed ornate window and Vermeer's close framing of the painting. The audience feel as though they are peeking and intruding the astronomer's working space even as they view the painting.
The books shelved on the chest, the embellished drapery and the silk Japonsche rok convey that the sitter is highly learned and civilised, but also suggest 17th century Dutch academics were highly regarded. The Japonsche rok, a cross breed of kimono and robe, were items awarded to Dutch individuals who passed the annual tests conducted by the Japanese Imperial Court. Hence, the robe serves as a physical reminder of the recipient's accomplishments.
However, an interpretation of the painting without background reading is slightly different. I see a man touching a globe as though he is gathering knowledge from it, like a fortune teller or a mystic. The cloth draped on the table, the globe, and the posture of the sitter conjure popular imagery of the fortune teller in his/her dark tent staring into a crystal ball to uncover the fate of his/her client.
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