Youth and Sin roll together, Vermeer was all about that when he painted Girl Interrupted at Music in 1660.

Johannes Vermeer was born into a protestant family, converting to Catholicism before marrying his wife. It is safe to assume that this man was a devout Christian. He didn’t make too many paintings through his artistic career, fewer than 50. From the ones that survive this painting was definitely dealt the ugly, short straw. It’s like getting a facelift at the 7-Eleven parking lot. You know it’s going to be bad if it costs you only $40.

The painting was acquired by Henry Clay Frick in 1901. Since then it has been subjected to a number of restoration attempts, one screw-up after another. It’s like if the 7-Eleven retouches got progressively worse. Every correction meant a shadier address, and worse, a shadier face. The Frick organization spoilt the broth, letting too many artists work on the restoration. The still life on the table is believed to be the only part of the painting that is Vermeer’s handiwork.

Every element in this painting has been dismantled, probed, and psychoanalyzed by way too many critics and researchers. The birdcage, the painting of Cupid in the background, the cavalier’s A-game, the untouched glass of wine, the sharing of music, every little detail in the painting comes loaded with theories. The probability of a Zombie apocalypse has been given less thought than the dating culture of 17th century Netherlands.

They shared music and drank wine. The electricity of forbidden love was meant to excite us. We want to know more, but she’s practically locked us out. It’s the same look my sister gave me when she brought her first boyfriend home. Vermeer’s couple were probably interrupted by a pesky sibling too. Note to sibling: Get out of there, you saw nothing, you say nothing.

The Girl Interrupted at Music was one of the first few Vermeers to make it to the United States of America. However, by the time the painting reached America, it had already gone under the knife by many inexperienced hands. So, we can’t put all the blame on the Frick restorers, even though they’re like 80% responsible. The painting of Cupid was only uncovered in 1907, it was previously hidden by the birdcage and a small violin. The girl’s clothing was clumsily re-painted by someone, we don’t know who. The folks at the Frick had been issued quite a challenge. Sadly, for everyone, especially Vermeer, they saved only a fraction of what Vermeer had intended.