7~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

7. THE MILKMAID

(A surprise to find this quiet domestic scene constrained geometrically)

A common criticism I have encountered is that these geometrical analyses appear arbitrary and forced.  I suppose that is true of some attempts to thrust a painting into a "Procrustean Bed" of lines, angles, and geometric figures. Not so here -- Vermeer always uses the same geometry -- basically a tilted hexagonal figure and a square -- with a few variations on this theme. My analyses are amply confirmed by features painted by the Master -- where he wanted them painted -- in registration with the Grail Geometry.

A remarkable confirmation here is a seemingly extraneous and irrelevant nail hole in the wall to the right of the milkmaid's head. I never even noticed it -- until I had drawn the tilted square according to the rules -- based on the hexagram that neatly frames the face in a small triangle. Drawing one of the diagonals of the square, I ran right into it! What's this? Aha! One way for the painter to place an unobtrusive registration marker in disguise. I have circled it and ended that diagonal right there. The other confirmations are obvious, particularly if you have followed this website from the beginning (recommended).

I have been asked how I go about finding the geometry in a painting. The short answer is "trial and error" -- and knowing what to look for.  Do you see the SKULL that Vermeer slyly sketched on the milkmaid's left sleeve?

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