Each episode of Palettes intensively investigates the work of a major Western artist. Each individual painting is carefully considered from its subject matter to the techniques used in its construction. Guided by Alain Jaubert of the Louvre, viewers stand witness to the painting secrets revealed through the use of modern technologies like x-rays and video animation. In Palettes: Great Artists and Their Paintings -- Jan Vermeer, viewers examine Vermeer's painting The Astonomer and learn about its composition and the effect that Vermeer's admiration of Rembrandt may have had on his work. ~ Rob Ferrier, Rovi