Johannes Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring is a captivating masterpiece that exemplifies the artist's mastery of light, colour, and composition. Painted around 1665, this iconic work features a young girl in exotic dress, her enigmatic expression and direct gaze engaging the viewer in a moment of intimacy. The luminous pearl earring, a focal point of the painting, symbolises beauty and allure, drawing attention to the girl's serene yet mysterious demeanour. Vermeer’s innovative use of chiaroscuro and subtle tonal variations reflects the heightened realism characteristic of the Dutch Golden Age. This painting remains a testament to Vermeer’s genius in capturing fleeting moments and the complexities of human emotion.
c. 1665
Artist: Johannes Vermeer (1632–1675) Medium: Oil on canvas Collection: Mauritshuis Museum, The Hague
