Who is Girl With A Pearl Earring?
There has been much speculation about the model in this famous painting. While she's not quite as famous as the Mona Lisa, Vermeer's The Girl With The Pearl Earring is every bit as mysterious.
About the Girl with the Pearl Earring
Sweet, some say seductive, and forever silent, The Girl With A Pearl Earring was painted nearly 400 years ago by Johannes Vermeer. He was known as a master during the Dutch Golden Age — a time of increased trade and artistic freedom for the Dutch, who were recently freed from oppressive Spanish Catholic rule.
In more recent memory, this piece inspired a bestselling novel by Tracy Chevalier, which was adapted into a film in 2003 portrayed by the actress, Scarlett Johansson. In these fictional, imaginative renderings, the model was a servant who worked for Vermeer in his studio. Still, we have no real evidence to bolster that claim.
The Dutch Golden Age
In the 17th century, portraiture and a style known as "still life" came into vogue. Artists aimed to capture a genuine likeness of a specific person, and in many cases, they tended to highlight the models' best features.
More specifically, this piece is also a "tronie," that is, a study of a face, head and shoulders, often in exotic clothing. The delightful turban and absence of background qualify this piece as a tronie.
What's so Special About the Girl with the Pearl Earring?
In this painting, we're struck by the model's large, round, clear eyes. She also has flawless, beautiful skin that's smooth, clear and free of blemishes. Obviously, this girl did not work outdoors in the sun, and the audience can tell her skin is very clean. We also love her glossy lips and the tiny dewdrop of moisture in the corner of her mouth.
The audience will also guess this model was young. While it's difficult to pinpoint her age, we would guess anywhere from 15 to 22. The small, snub nose of childhood is gone, but she has no wrinkles or laugh lines.
You may notice her eyebrows are very light or even non-existent. We know some women would shave or pluck their eyebrows in the 1660s, so we cannot guess her hair color beneath that luxurious turban.
The Girl With The Pearl Earring wears exotic garb for the time and place. Those clothes were not in style in Europe in the 1660s, when open shoulders and cleavage were the mode a la masses. Perhaps Vermeer wished to protect her identity (or reputation) by covering her hair and skin, or maybe he only wished to advertise her exotic beauty. It's no wonder some speculate she was Vermeer's eldest daughter, Maria, while others argue she was a mistress.
Then, there is her single pearl earring.
Was Her Earring a Real Pearl?
Most likely, yes! And it was worth a fortune.
Faux pearls did not exist for decades to come, but the practice of pearl farming has been around since the 1300s. Her unique, giant baroque pearl — not perfectly round but an organic teardrop shape — was likely harvested in China. We're not sure if it was bought, borrowed or even stolen, but chances are good that it was real.
In today's market, a genuine, all nacre pearl of that size might be worth tens of thousands of dollars.
Make it a Gift for Yourself or Someone Else
Who do you see when you look at the Girl With A Pearl Earring? You might see a lovely nymphette looking coyly back over her shoulder. Or, perhaps you're reminded of that sister or best friend who always wears the finest jewelry. Maybe her lovely skin and honest eyes remind you of your wife or girlfriend.
No matter who you think about when you see The Girl With A Pearl Earring, we're happy to help you gift this print. It would make a lovely anniversary or Valentine's gift.
At Mini Masters Art, we proudly offer famous works of art you'll love in our perfect size at excellent prices.
Our prints are the right size for your desktop, apartment or office. We'll even frame and gift wrap them for your special occasion.
Check out more famous works at Mini Masters Art, and contact us with any questions.
