Bull Terrier The Astronomer — after Johannes Vermeer, 1668 | Garment-Dyed Tee

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 tee

• Comfort Colors 1717 — 6.1 oz garment-dyed ring-spun US cotton
• Relaxed, boxy cut with no side seams — wider and shorter than a fitted tee, so check the size chart rather than assuming your usual
• Pre-shrunk, double-needle stitched throughout
• Sewn-in label
• Garment-dyed colour keeps softening with every wash. That fade is the point, not a fault.
• Wash cold inside out, tumble dry low. The first wash may release a little dye — wash it on its own.
• Made to order, so please allow a little extra time before dispatch