Bull Terrier The Astronomer — after Johannes Vermeer, 1668 | Beach Towel

The Astronomer
after Johannes Vermeer, 1668

One of only three paintings Vermeer ever signed and dated. It hung for a century beside its companion, The Geographer - the same model, the same room, canvas cut from the same bolt - until the pair were separated in 1797. They were reunited for one exhibition in 1997 and parted again.

He is measuring the distance between two stars with his thumb. The figure has been at it since 1668 and is close.

After the original in the Musee du Louvre.

This towel

• Soft woven cotton-blend towel with the artwork printed edge to edge
• Printed one side; reverse is left plain
• Machine wash warm, tumble dry low
• Wash before first use — printed towels absorb better after a cycle
• Made to order, so please allow a little extra time before dispatch