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SCMP Reporter

Who? Jan Vermeer

When? circa 1665-1666

Where? The Netherlands

Vermeer painted Girl with a Pearl Earring more than 300 years ago. The youthful beauty's identity has baffled scholars since the painting resurfaced, dirty and forgotten, in 1882.

The movie that came out in 2003, starring Scarlett Johansson and Colin Firth about Vermeer and his model, portrayed the girl as his maid.

But there is no historical evidence to support this idea, one that was put forward in a novel by Tracy Chevalier.

Many scholars believe that Vermeer's model was his eldest daughter, Maria, who was probably born in 1654, making her about 12 at the time experts think the painting was done. But, again, there is no proof.

What makes identification even more difficult is that this striking young woman cannot be placed in any specific context.

She holds no qualities that might, for example, identify her as a symbol, a muse (imaginary force) or a spiritual figure. Set against a dark, undefined background, and dressed in an exotic costume, she lacks clues to her age, identity and role in life.

Vermeer created about 40 or so paintings of women. Girl with a Pearl Earring is probably his most beautiful work.

The girl's earring hangs still against a dark, recessive space. The white dot of impasto (thick layer of paint) at the pearl's upper edge catches the same beams of light which fall across her face and turban.

The light cast  by the bright white band of her collar below also reflects onto the pearl, making it glow.

The tear-drop shape makes the pearl look heavier - this quality would have been less evident if Vermeer had chosen to paint a round one.

A pearl this big probably did not exist and the artist most likely represented an artificial one or exaggerated its dimensions.

In the 17th century, pearls were an important status symbol. Pearls are linked with vanity but also with virginity.

Turbans were a popular fashion accessory in Europe as early as the 15th century. Around this time, Christian Europe fought wars with Muslim countries and the former was fascinated by the different ways of life and  dressing of their 'enemies'. However, the type of turban worn by Vermeer's young girl is unique. The almost vertically falling 'tail' of the turban acts as a visual anchor that emphasises the girl's turning gesture. This makes it seem as if Vermeer captured the girl in a moment of surprise.

Her heavy dress touching the base of the painting makes her seem solid, and this contrasts with the brilliance and delicacy of the young girl's hopeful expression.

The dark background in  Girl with a Pearl Earring contributes greatly to the expressive effect of the painting.

In other works in which Vermeer painted women turning to gaze over their shoulders, the result is less striking  as the elaborate backgrounds distract the viewer's attention.

In this painting, every element works perfectly to capture the vitality, innocence and hope of youth.



Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring