someone take her childhood, also feeling sorry for the baker, whom lost most of his money at the auction. The painting reflected most upon the women; although if the ratio of men to women was greater, there would be a greater probability of the same affections toward the piece of art. Hannah for example was very enthusiastic about the painting, perhaps because it was just so subtle and innocent. Men such as Saskia’s husband didn’t care much for the painting, he just wanted to sell it to get money; “It’ll fetch five guilders surely.” (pg. 127) it didn’t have any sentimental value to him. On the other hand I am being hippocratic by saying that the men didn’t value the art. Laurens van Luyken for example loved the painting so much; his wife liked it, but apparently not enough to keep her from wanting to give it to her daughter who is engaged to the Amsterdamer Fritz. They all needed the painting very much because it was something they didn’t have like the witch that Adrian was married to. The painting reminded her of her mother and how she always wanted to see and know her. Both men and women had feelings about the painting, to get it out of their lives, or to forever keep it to touch their soul. Women like Saskia and men like Cornelius didn’t want to let go of the painting within their souls. Everyone had a reason, to do whatever was needed. The value of art is to render the extraordinary brilliance of peoples’ lives; to relate to the lives of others in the society. The unique purpose of art is to provide an exhilarating touch of love, sorrow, warmth, depth, and happiness to the soul and heart. The value of art, both personal and monetary; the hard work of great art is very self- rewarding and gives a great sense of accomplishment. Monetarily speaking, an artist such as Vermeer must paint in order to make a living and support his family of 11 children, “And there were othe...
