Girl with a Pearl Earring is an oil painting by 17th-century Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer.
In 2014, Dutch astrophysicist Vincent Icke raised doubts about the material of the earring and argued that it looks more like polished tin than pearl on the grounds of the specular reflection, the pear shape and the large size of the earring.
More than two hundred years passed between the painting’s creation and its sale at auction in 1881. There, Dutch Army officer and art collector Arnoldus Andries des Tombe purchased Girl with a Pearl Earring for just 2 guilders with a 30-cent premium. Upon des Tombe’s death in the winter of 1902, the work was willed to The Hague’s art museum the Mauritshuis, where it can still be seen today.
In recent years, The Mauritshuis loaned Girl with a Pearl Earring to Japan, Italy and the United States for exhibitions. But once this tour concluded in July of 2014, the museum announced the painting would stay in their collection within their walls indefinitely. And so Girl with a Pearl Earring joined the ranks of Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Picasso’s Guernica, and Les Demoiselles d’Avignon as works sworn to stay safe in their home museums for all time.
All titled Girl with a Pearl Earring, these works began with American novelist Tracy Chevalier, whose 1999 historical novel spun a love story between Vermeer and a servant girl turned muse. In 2004, Chevalier’s book was adapted into an acclaimed feature film, starring Scarlett Johansson and Colin Firth. Then in 2008, a stage adaptation was produced in London.
Scholars estimate the painting was completed in 1665. The painting is an example of a type of work called a tronie. Popular in the Dutch Golden Age, tronies were paintings that focused on the face of a subject with an added element of fantasy or an exaggeration of expression that differentiates them from portraits.
The girl in this painting is believed to be Vermeer’s eldest daughter, Maria, who was about twelve or thirteen years old at the time it was created.
Regarded as Vermeer’s masterpiece, this canvas is often referred to as the Mona Lisa of the North or the Dutch Mona Lisa.
With this painting the viewer is captured by the subject and believes they have caught her attention and caused her to turn her head. This is a sensual painting with the girl gazing at the viewer with wide eyes and a parted mouth and there is an air of mystery surrounding her identity.
The painting has alternately been called Girl In A Turban, Head Of Girl In A Turban, The Young Girl With Turban, and Head of a Young Girl.
Girl with a Pearl Earring is one of over forty images of women created by Vermeer and thus it is obvious that he had a keen interest in women’s socio-cultural roles.
The painting has been in the collection of the Mauritshuis in The Hague since 1902.
Girl with a Pearl Earring FAQs
Johannes Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring” is one of the most captivating and recognizable paintings in the world. Here are some commonly asked questions to quench your curiosity about this masterpiece:
1. Who is the girl in the painting?
The identity of the girl in the painting remains a mystery. Art historians have proposed various theories, but there’s no definitive answer. Some believe she could be a fictional character, a model Vermeer used for other paintings, or even his daughter.
2. What makes the painting so famous?
The allure of “Girl with a Pearl Earring” stems from a combination of factors:
- Her enigmatic gaze: The girl’s direct yet enigmatic gaze seems to connect with the viewer, drawing them into the painting.
- Masterful use of light: Vermeer’s signature use of light and shadow creates a sense of realism and intimacy. The single pearl earring, brightly illuminated, becomes a focal point.
- Simple yet elegant composition: The uncluttered background and the girl’s half-length pose create a sense of focus and invite contemplation.
- Earring as a symbol: The large pearl earring has been interpreted in various ways, symbolizing wealth, innocence, or even vanity.
3. When and where was the painting created?
“Girl with a Pearl Earring” was likely painted by Johannes Vermeer sometime between 1665 and 1666. It is currently housed in the Mauritshuis museum in The Hague, Netherlands.
4. What is the painting’s size?
The painting is relatively small, measuring just 44.5 cm (17.5 in) high and 39 cm (15.3 in) wide. This intimate scale adds to the painting’s personal and intriguing nature.
5. Is the painting a portrait or something else?
“Girl with a Pearl Earring” is not considered a traditional portrait. It’s more likely a “tronie,” a Dutch term for a head study depicting an imaginary figure with an expression or costume that conveys a particular mood or emotion.
6. What is the painting’s history?
The painting didn’t achieve widespread recognition until the late 19th century. It was sold for a very low price after Vermeer’s death and remained in private collections for a long time. In 1881, it was rediscovered and eventually acquired by the Mauritshuis museum, where it has become a national treasure.
7. Has the painting ever been loaned out?
Yes, “Girl with a Pearl Earring” has been loaned out for special exhibitions around the world. However, due to its delicate nature and historical significance, these loans are rare and meticulously planned.
8. What is the cultural impact of the painting?
“Girl with a Pearl Earring” has transcended the art world and captured the public imagination. It has been featured in films, novels, and popular culture references, solidifying its place as a timeless and captivating masterpiece.
9. Where can I learn more about the painting?
The Mauritshuis museum website offers detailed information about “Girl with a Pearl Earring” https://www.mauritshuis.nl/en/visit/. Additionally, many art history books and online resources delve deeper into the painting’s history, technique, and interpretations.
10. Why is the painting so popular today?
The enduring popularity of “Girl with a Pearl Earring” likely stems from its unique combination of beauty, mystery, and emotional resonance. The painting continues to spark curiosity and inspire viewers with its timeless elegance and enigmatic subject.
