Allegory of the Catholic Faith

Vermeer's Allegory of the Catholic Faith (ca. 1670-72), another private depiction of a woman (albeit this time of an allegorical nature), portrays a woman representing all of Christianity sitting with her head upturned in ecstasy in contemplation of the Heavens.

During a period when Catholic rites were forbidden in the newly reformed Dutch Republic, the Allegory was likely commisioned for and meant to be hung in one of the hidden Catholic churches within wealthy homes.

Vermeer, who converted to Catholicism later in his life following his marriage, includes many allegorical represntations in the painting.