A symphony of civilizations

"It is the studio of an artist in the 17th-century Netherlands. In the foreground there are a tapestry, an empty chair and a table. A seated painter is trying to catch the essence of his model, a demure young woman, Clio, the Greek muse of history. On the wall, as a backdrop, is a large map of the Seventeen Provinces printed in Amsterdam. The scene is quiet but inspiring."