This Painting of a Mystery Girl Is on Another Level

This piece is called The Girl With a Pearl Earring created by Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer in the year 1665. It has since captivated the world and left everyone asking: who is she? Is she coming or going? What is her relationship to us, or should I say Vermeer? Let's get into the nitty gritty of a famous painting that still has so many unanswered questions. But is that the reason why we all love it so much?
#arthistory #art #classicart #fineart #girlwithapearlearring
Credits:
Cloud special effect from Vecteezy
Close-up imaging of pearl from Hirox

[@jorgep1]

To whoever is running this channel: Thank you for all the hard work and amazing information.

[@Shahzad-ss1jq]

They're great

[@angelor9211]

Wdym? Why?

[@Julia-uh4li]

They are ever so good and if its a "One Man/Woman Show" even more Kudos deserved.

[@Art_Deco]

Thank you so much! As of now, it's just me running this channel. It really motivates me to see comments like this!

[@stelladimitrova4169]

This channel is my favourite art channel❤️

[@Andreamom001]

Using a device doesn’t make him less of an artist. J still had to mix the paint, choose the colors, brush the paint on, etc. he still chose to make two strokes for the pearl rather than many dots or any other way to depict it. There is artistry in how he translated what he saw, even if a device was used.

[@realityjunky]

It's a bit like saying someone isn't a chef if they use measuring spoons. He made use of a fantastic tool. To me, that's professional.

[@eileensnow6153]

@@realityjunky I wonder if that line of thinking is a product of its time though? Like, maybe it was the equivalent of using auto-tune as a singer: even people with amazing voices use auto-tune to correct mistakes on their albums. But then people turn around and say that the use of auto-tune means they’re untalented or overhyped. For a man whose livelihood depended on his reputation as much as his skill, I can see why he’d want to avoid those accusations.

[@realityjunky]

@@eileensnow6153 The Dutch were exquisite lens makers. Seriously high tech at the time. Today, we make things like electron microscopes, satellites and telescopes. They still require skilled professionals to get images. I challenge anyone to use an optical drawing device and see what kind of image they paint. Heck, even paint-by-numbers doesn't yield a masterpiece, does it? Vermeer was a visual master who happened to use great tools, great paints, brushes, etc.

[@Saffron-sugar]

Of course it doesn’t make him less of an artist. does using a ruler to draw a straight line make someone less of an artist? does making a film on computer rather than in an old-fashioned cutting room make someone less of an artist? There is no conversation

[@realityjunky]

I am so totally digging that you referred to him as J.

[@steveandme63]

I've seen this portrait and it literally glows. It is an amazing work of art. The colors are amazing and I prefer it to the Mona Lisa.

[@linphillips8331]

How I wish we could see it brand new!

[@Caerulis]

Mona Lisa is so mid

[@birbingtonxxvi8378]

@@Caerulis couldn't agree more

[@woolypuffin392]

Same!

[@Art_Deco]

It's sooo beautiful!

[@johnray5568]

A camera obscura is a legitimate artists' tool. The level of artistic mastery is still off the chart. PS love this channel.

[@WhitneyDahlin]

‼️I agree! I have zero art education. But I am a big reader and I'm a big history buff. And I stumbled across a fictionalized account of this painting from the girls point of view. I think the book is called Girl with a Pearl Earring (pretty sure the movie was based off the book) a few years ago. Anyway the book was just so f****** good it sent me down a rabbit hole of reading about different famous paintings and the history behind them and the stories behind each painting. I feel like I can really appreciate the paintings now when I know the story behind them even though I'm just a layman.

[@elainebelzDetroit]

Besides, art isn't just about technical skill. I had a class with Peter Selz where he came up with the following rubric (which I fully agree with): 'Good' art is "a visual metaphor for significant human experience." He even pointed out how that definition says nothing about originality, beauty, or technical skill. Of course we admire technical skill, and it brings added value to the artwork. But it's not central to art (other than needing to somehow produce a work).

[@mabonbran8913]

Whoever she was, she was beautiful and so is the rendition, indeed a masterpiece!

[@larrygalbreath]

Beautiful, really? I think she was average looking at best. The painting of her however was very beautiful.

[@mabonbran8913]

@Larry Galbreath Hi Larry, eye of the beholder and all that! Perfectly proportional features, luscious lips, evocative eyes and a radiant beauty, but it really is all in the eye of the beholder.

[@larrygalbreath]

@@mabonbran8913 I agree, beauty is always a matter of opinion. To me the child has a rather blank expression, and with her mouth slightly open, she looks slightly dim-witted.

[@KenFullman]

@@mabonbran8913You're right. Beauty is, indeed, in the eye of the beholder. I guess that makes me another beholder.

[@nofrackingzone7479]

This portrait was done 359 years ago, yet her beauty is alluring across the centuries.

[@tinapetrovicz9741]

I painted a grisaille version of this painting for a semi private class studying classical portrait techniques. The fabrics are a lot fun, surprisingly loose strokes barely blended if at all. The face is so subtle at times, like the tone of parts of the nose is barely different from the cheek behind it, it is a real challenge. I agree it raises so many questions, I think this part of what makes it so compelling.

[@clairefordzetterstrom9973]

Nice!

[@Saffron-sugar]

This sounds stupid but bear with me, I think Vermeer used a technique that was similar to make up application with toning and contouring and highlighting. unbelievably amazing for oil paint. But creates the flawless and seemingly unblended look

[@Pixi9711]

I love your videos! I know a little (really little) art history, and I like watching paintings, or restoration videos, but never understood why some painting get so much attention (and some not). But thanks to your videos I start to understand (even a little). Thank you!

[@theblob156]

Sorry to ask this, but, what was so special about the Mona Lisa painting, that got so much attention, the amount of attention and fame that which wasn’t given to other paintings? Was there anything unique and specific about Mona Lisa?

[@amelialx5655]

@@theblob156 from vids i’ve watched on it, apparently it wasn’t a painting that got any attention until it got stolen and was missing for a few years so it pretty much became famous bc of the robbery

[@amelialx5655]

@@theblob156 it was probably a “you don’t cherish something until it’s gone” type of thing 🤔

[@theblob156]

@@amelialx5655 oh. That’s dark

[@Art_Deco]

Yay! Thank you!

[@GrandmaLoves2Scuba]

This has always been one of my favorite paintings, but after this video I feel like I'm seeing it for the first time. I never before noticed that the earring wasn't actually drawn but simply suggested. Mind blown.

[@Julia-uh4li]

The earring was hooked into her earlobe & you can see it at 2:48 if you brighten up your screen enough. It really is there. I'm surprised she didn't catch it.

[@GrandmaLoves2Scuba]

@@Julia-uh4li I went and looked, thank you. Yes, it indeed could be a hook. I can see that for sure. Or maybe a crack in the paint? Either way I appreciate the heads up.

[@marthapozo4881]

Omg, it is hooked! In fact, I think it looks more like a tear-drop pearl like the one @2:41 upon closer inspection!

[@user-sg4ov7ng4h]

+ cant u see the pearl slightly lighter outline

[@jacquimg2469]

Even a device like a camera obscura wouldn’t detract from Vermeer’s mastery of painting. It wouldn’t be any less or more than arranging the lighting or an angle of sight. That aside, thank you for discussing the remarkable lives he created on canvas. I enjoy your videos very much.

[@aniflowers1998]

What a shame that we will never see the drawing in it's original form, considering the green changed colors so strongly over time. Makes you almost wonder what else could have been in the background that is now forever hidden

[@pyro-millie5533]

Greens are such fragile pigments no matter the medium it seems. Even my watercolor pencils warn that the green ones are the least lightfast (fade-resistant) :( That deep green background would have been so stunning with the blues and yellows as the dominant colors running through the rest of the piece, and would really contrast that subtle touch of red in the lips so gorgeously. I can only imagine. I’m glad researchers have discovered this though because that one detail makes me so happy as an artistic choice. I freaking love color pairing in a big way and an analogous scheme with a few eye catch accents will always be such a beautifully balanced combo

[@VaryaEQ]

I wonder if historians could produce a digital approximation of what it looked like...

[@zinzolin14]

The camera obscura was a tool to aid the artist in their creation. Vermeer was still incredibly skilled and knowledgeable about his craft, which is what made his paintings at all possible.

[@GjaP_242]

Girl with a Pearl Earring is Vermeer's most famous paining. The lighting of this painting is very telling and could be interpreted in a number of interesting ways. In the reflection of her eyes, and in her pearl earring, you can see that there is an angle to the light that illuminates her face, and it is not from straight ahead but a little to the left. It is not some mere coincidence that the profile of her face is angled correctly to the light-she is going towards that light, and has stopped to look back. 2:31 [Google Arts & Culture; Jaffat El Aqlam]

[@drewmalatino3322]

She is breathtaking. Women will always be my favorite art subjects as their beauty is unmatched, inside and out.

[@realityjunky]

A 2013 documentary called Tim's Vermeer was wonderful. Anyone who likes this painting, liked the film or likes Dutch art would enjoy this documentary, too. It set me on fire and I bought my first optical drawing tool which was super fun to use!

[@Wishbone1977]

"Tim's Vermeer" is excellent. I highly recommend it.

[@MerryMoss]

I'll give it a go, thanks for mentioning it! 🖌🎨😊

[@sonorasgirl]

This reminds me of taking a class with my favorite art history teacher in college. The knowledge, the interest in detail, and the SASS are all excellent

[@lenichiaoelofsen3268]

I love this form of teaching, especially in KZbin videos where you're giving out a bunch of facts at once. You not only did your research, but you share it in such a way that it almost comes off as gossip or you telling a story of your own. This is such a fun video and I hope you keep up the hard work.

[@krisztina442]

I love this famous masterpiece! Whoever this girl was, she had a beautiful face and my impression is that she's a bit surprised and wants to ask something. This painting is really captivating and mesmerizing, I could watch it for hours. The book you mentioned and the movie starring Scarlett Johansson and Colin Firth is brilliant, it's one of my favourites. I find that story believable. (And yes, as I see it, for some reason pearls are really special, I understand why Vermeer liked pearls so much...). Thank you for your interesting videos, they are precious!

[@Julia-uh4li]

At 2:48 you say, "it doesn't even have a hook to hang it". I'm sitting with a couple of artists right now and they've pointed out that this is clearly the hook into her earlobe. Regardless, it's such a wonderfull, well known painting that I've always admired as long as I can remember. These videos are such a great treat. 💛

[@danbrown9085]

Art never ceases to amaze. Thank you for opening my eyes and my senses.

[@Bon-Bon_]

I am from the Netherlands! I am so happy this painting is a part of our culture it is so gorgeous ❤️

[@dianemitchell1717]

So happy to see your four by four women’s winning race recently in Bulgaria after the two tragic losses. This is my favorite painting. Vermeer was a genius. .

[@panqueque445]

6:43 That painting is insane. It's as close as we can get to a photo from that time.

[@TheMan21892]

I think if I ever saw this girl in person, I’d fall in love immediately

[@antifriends]

not me thinking this is mother teresa in her prime 💀

[@milliereeves2215]

This painting is so ethereal

[@rogercarl3969]

I've had the good fortune to have seen this painting in person in The Hague, late 1980's. The way they position the painting was in a small corridor and you would only see her after turning a corner. And upon doing so I said "oh, excuse me" as if she were a real person and I had startled her. This is the most fascinating experience I have had in any Art Gallery. BTW I also wonder if Vermeer used the same model in "The Concert" and perhaps a few other paintings.

[@msshellm8154]

Just because he (may have) had a camera obscura, doesn't mean a thing - if he wasn't a master painter, no amount of 'optical' aid would change his skill with the paintbrush! ANYone, can trace, but that doesn't make them a painter, let alone an artist. Thank-you for another, wonderful, episode 🙏🏻 💜

[@AstrallyAlex]

It's as if we're looking through the eyes of a man in love. When I first saw this painting I thought "oh she's so pretty, like a doll." Now, I realize that she's looking directly at us. She is turned in such a way that it doesn't exactly look like she's just looking over because I am distracting her. She has glowing skin and beautifully deep eyes. Her lips seem emphasized due to how pink and shiny they are. Everything that we aren't required to see isn't given any kind of glow or real texture. She's staring at me like she is in love with me. Perhaps she's trying to show me something pretty out of the window - hence the curtain - that she's excited about. She wears a headband so I can see her full face and she can see mine. This painting makes me feel at ease and gives me a warm feeling. I love it.

[@TNT-km2eg]

She was housemaid , model for free . She has problem breathing through the nose . And low IQ . And she's not in love with you or him

[@KayeHalliwell]

I would love to see a rendering of what it originally looked like, with the curtains and everything they’ve found evidence of being restored

[@qworky902]

Me too. I would like to see renderings of original appearances of ALL the great paintings. Side-by-side would be nice.

[@Sharkdog11b]

I love how the old masters ground and made their own paints. An art in itself.

[@djparn007]

Thank you for this video. This has come to be my favorite painting and I always enjoy hearing it analyzed.

[@xchemicalXladybugx]

Using a camera obscura is brilliant and only added to the artistry. To understand focus and replicate it on canvas is incredible.

[@cydeproductions]

I have always appreciated art but ever since I discovered channels like yours I’ve grown more and more obsessed with fine arts and their creators but I have to say that you really have something different, something special that you bring to the table that I really appreciate! It’s insane how deep you can get into a painting in just 10 minutes!

[@TheLizgizzy]

Using. A device doesn’t make him less of an artist. It allows him to focus on composition, color, texture, light and shadow. He still has to render shapes in a compelling way. His mastery of the medium makes him my favorite artist.

[@bostonreese4807]

I have a copy hanging in my living-room. I got a beautiful brass frame for it. She’s so enchanting and absolutely stunning. I too find myself staring at her for moments on end. The mystery behind this definitely makes it all the more intriguing. And I had no idea the Pearl was just there. No hook to her earlobe. So interesting!

[@Julia-uh4li]

But if you pause the video at 2:48 or 49 you can clearly see the painted hook. I'm sitting with a couple of artists right now, water colour artists, and are very surprised she said there is no hook.

[@QwertiusMaximus]

It's all the questions that make this painting so intriguing. If we ever get answers to the questions it would be just another, albeit still very nice, painting.

[@truella1305]

Listen. I could use a camera obscura all day long, I still couldn't paint a cat. The man created a sublime body of work. It's a good job this particular painting was protected by glass. 😡

[@tawamajik6982]

Your sense of humour is witty and appreciated

[@libertygiveme1987]

Vermeer was certainly an INCREDIBLE ARTIST!!!! Even if he did use a "Camera Obscura," it doesn't make him any less of an Artist!!!! I remember studying this Piece in College. We had similar questions. You did a GREAT JOB in studying this!!!! Thank-You!!!!

[@kathryn2327]

My favorite painting of all time!! (Can you tell by my profile photo lol) so happy you covered this!!!!

[@WobblesandBean]

Girl With the Scuba

[@Drew791]

Haha that’s awesome

[@AnnaHogendoorn]

good timing of the video on this one, with the climate protest that happend at the museum where she is on display! Mauritshuis in The Hague, The Netherlands btw (for the currious people). As I live here, I have been to see her quite a lot. you making a video about her, in the style that you make them , actually reminds me what a privelige that actually is! Thank you!

[@mikshin9825]

Idiots throwing the soup at paintings you mean? I wouldn't mind them removing themselves from this overpopulated world.

[@mermaidprincess27]

I never had much interest at all in art history like this until I stumbled across this channel. i love your videos and watch every single one of them ❤ thank you for your hard work and pls continue to enlighten me about art bc god knows idk anything about it myself lol.

[@ladycharlotte8693]

You have to see the movies….Incognito and the Best Offer……twists and turns with lovely art…..movies and historic novels about artists lives are really interesting and fun as well 😊❤

[@dead_ones]

Dude, you are criminally underrated. Your content is amazing! Keep up the good work!

[@LL-lv8ke]

You should watch Tim's Vermeer! They hypothesize a mirror was used to paint and their example/evidence is very compelling. Doesn't take away from the beauty for me!

[@realityjunky]

I loved Tim's Vermeer!!

[@thinktoomuchb4028]

Tim's Vermeer! Glad I scrolled through the comments to see if someone mentioned it.

[@Saffron-sugar]

Wow. Nice work with the “tronie” knowledge. ❤️ Somebody else did a less than decent job with this painting a few days ago. Thank you for doing a good one. I feel Vermeer was definitely working with the fashion at the time. His ideal 17th-century Dutch young woman Plucked eyebrows and hairline, porcelain (close to glass) skin, as well as giant baroque pearls. I agree, the pearl was probably not there, but it was in his imagination.

[@MFLimited]

I think she is the girl that got away. How many young men had a woman in love with him whom they stupidly mistreated or didn’t appreciate. As older men, they are forever haunted about the dreams of what could have been. That’s how I see this painting

[@decrepitoldbeauties]

I love this channel! I have recently found this channel and I just really enjoy your whole editing structure! From the educational aspect and editing skills to the comedic inserts and viewer engagement questions, it’s a perfect balance!! Such an unique channel!!! Keep up the good work Art Deco!😊👍🏻

[@zzz181085]

Your comedic talent and the thorough historical research on the subject make your work priceless. and moist

[@elvisneedsboats3714]

This painting is even more beautiful in person. She is luminous. I cannot even imagine how great it would have been when new.

[@deltatango6793]

I agree, I think it makes him resourceful. I have drawn and painted completely free-hand, with a grid, with help of a projector, etc. I would argue that all of my work is as intended and I had been accused of using methods of help when I had not. Perhaps more recent work is slightly “better” due to experience. The major difference only between these approaches is really just the time required to sketch.

[@realityjunky]

Optical tools are huge time savers and they enhance accuracy by allowing us to trace the landmarks. SO many people get discouraged by their attempts to draw not looking right and I'd encourage anyone to use a tool like these to get a good start. Thereafter, the image can be used to proofread the details, the direction of the light sources, etc. They are fun, portable and moderately priced.

[@jamglittercellstories2562]

This is ever one of my favorite paintings ever - thanks for posting her.

[@elisaseverns2543]

I love these paintings! The girl with the pearl earring has been a favorite of mine for years. Thank you for sharing your research!!

[@brisben88]

This painting has always been a favourite of mine. Indeed, just like you, I can't stop myself just staring at her, and admiring her humble beauty. Thank you for this essay, it answered a few questions, and allowed me to accept that I'll never know the truth about who she was, and why did Vermeer paint her with so much care.

[@BBMc107]

I never thought it looked like a pearl. It looks silver metallic to me. Also, he is a master of textiles; fabric, rugs, curtains, lace are perfect.

[@yup_pea]

Awesome video 👌 one of my favorite paintings!

[@Art_Deco]

Thank you, Rob! Your comments are always so encouraging!

[@yup_pea]

@@Art_Deco Thank you 😃😃😃👍

[@garetkonigsfeld2]

I used to give people my tracing that would say oh! You traced it. I would give them the tracing and say here you go fill in the detail. Not once did someone give me back a finished drawing. Tracing is a tool as far as I'm concerned. thanks for sharing 👍

[@gastonguevara2012]

I press the like button the instant I click any of your videos. Another wonderful video.

[@redreaper2752]

His painting talent is what matters, who cares if he traced the outlines? Anyone could do that, but very few could make a masterpiece out of it.

[@raysmith2940]

The camera obscured merely sets the proportion, perspective and lighting. The skill is making all those elements look realistic. If I had an ounce of his talent I would be ecstatic.

[@lenac7352]

I love the narration on this channel. So well informed yet explaining the significance of the details in ways even non art experts can understand and appreciate. Also, the humor injected throughout is awesome. I love whoever writes these. Kudos to this channel! I’m new to it and am enjoying seeing the posts. ❤

[@rosa97509]

love your videos

[@Loubell_83]

AGREED! and I wouldn't even say I am an art lover. But I really enjoy these vids x

[@elisebrodeur-jacobs5215]

me too

[@hopewhore]

they get way more views w these kinds of vids

[@rosa97509]

@@Loubell_83 im an art lover but can never go to museums so its great to watch these videos for me :> theyre really easy to follow and fun to watch too!

[@Sharkdog11b]

And as far as using trucks like the camera obscura that is an art in itself as well it just shows how good the artist is in another way. It doesn’t take anything away cus how many artists would know how to use the tools and tricks. Most artists now do similar things. I would never judge an artist for being so cleaver

[@gregoryround2194]

Most amazing video production! Thank you. I am an artist of over 50 yrs and i now use a data projector to help me get the subject matter in place. It doesn't matter what we do to aid us in making art it is the finished artwork that counts.

[@grec.]

Creo que es su expresión la que cautiva a las personas. Como el artista logró capturar el instante del momento, la espontaneidad. Cuando era práctica común posar por horas o días, su rostro parece estar vivo, el instante capturado en el tiempo. Su manera de mirar y como si estuviera a punto de decir algo y justo ahí, como si fuese con una cámara, Vermeer congeló su rostro pero lo plasmó en lienzo. Es como si en cualquier momento pudiera hablar o moverse. Sin lugar a dudas, este retrato es una obra maestra. (Y la idea de que fuera un estudio o ensayo y no una modelo real, lo hace aún más fasciante, como pudo plasmar algo tan real solo de su imaginación).

[@TrainTracker911]

The girl with the pearl earring is stunning. This is by far my favorite painting of all. So much so that we have a picture of the painting hanging on our office wall. Thanks for your informative video. Bravo!

[@Bespelled22]

I never was all that interested in art but the way you present your insight has brought an awareness of the humanity behind each work. I find myself enthralled.

[@fuzzylittlespider]

I was very lucky and I was able to see this painting in person. It is a very small painting but size doesn't matter because it is still a stunning piece of art!

[@KimberlyLetsGo]

She's on her way to the booth to get her eyebrows micro bladed on. Even if he did trace from a photo, did he take the photo himself? Either way, doing this technique is quite common today and it's considered art. It's created so it's art. I have always loved Vermeer's paintings.

[@NachaBeez]

A camera obscure doesn’t take a photo, fyi. It just projects an image.

[@psyche_948]

i KNEW you were gonna make a video of this painting 😤 i literally tried to sketch and recreated this painting

[@chiaradarville4853]

I must say I truly enjoy these narratives about different artists and their paintings. The narrator is very effective and amusing at the same, and the information is informative. I have seen the movie that was mentioned and enjoyed it. I am glad that the story about the girl and the pearl is still a mystery. I am steadily watching all of your videos, good work!

[@hjd832]

Hello, I have a particular interest in Vermeer & have studied analysis of his work by people who confirm that he did use a Camera Obscura, ( eg , Daniel Fink) , who noticed that besides the similarity to the perspective found in photographic images, there are ‘circles of confusion’ , areas of light & heightened texture, that adds to that feeling. Another factor that seems to support this is that no drawings made by Vermeer exist/survive. He wouldn’t have needed to make drawings if he knew that he was going to trace out his compositions using the Camera Obscura. Another very famous artist who made use of this technique, was the Italian, known as Canaletto.

[@rainesonne1320]

I’ve seen this painting in person! I’m like you! I stood in front of this painting for 2.5 hours just staring at every part of this stunning painting! Johannes Vermeer was an astounding artist! It doesn’t matter if he used a machine to help him paint his master pieces! He still had extraordinary talent! I would love to know more about him and the girl! This painting is magnificent and in my opinion I don’t think the Mona Lisa is as stunning as The Girl with the pearl earring! P.S. If you ever find out more about Vemeer or the girl, I hope you’ll put it on your channel. You put out some awesome content!

[@lornae8683]

The more I look at her, the more I like the painting, it is a truly captivating work of art.

[@twinklej5459]

Your videos are so beautifully made and narrated. I would buy an audiobook if you would narrate it❤

[@heatherlouise814]

i am so impressed with your channel. im not someone who really understands art (in the form of paintings anyways) but listening to you tell the story, or your perspective of the story has been captivating. im binging them all. thanks.

[@midnightchannel7759]

(2:49. But, I see a hook, very slight, thin, looks brown on my device e, directly above the pearl and along her ear... Wonderful video, btw, as usual, thank you for posting!)

[@smileyp4535]

I love the amazing editing and scripting that tells us so much about the history and possible meanings behind these paintings, truly giving the impression of someone who loves classical European art

[@Fireprincess161]

"Since he wouldn't have been able to afford a pearl of that size" about the man who used lapis lazuli like he had a vendetta against it and its whole family.

[@MFLimited]

Yes and let’s face it, fashion photographers photograph millions of dollars worth of clothes and jewellery that they can’t necessarily afford. they’re allowed to use it for the work. I don’t see why this would be any different

[@cicianamumu]

Thank you for these videos! They are sooooo entertaining, and I can see that you've built a style that suits you very well! Keep them coming! I love to hear the history behind all of these pieces, and your opinion on certain aspects thereof.

[@hafsa9028]

I really really really enjoy this channel please keep making these videos 🙌🏽

[@viandengalacticspaceyards5135]

If he used a camera obscura, it only augments my respect for him. I once played around with that, and apart from fiddling around forever to get it right ,it takes an enormous amount of light to see things well. In the 17th century that could only be sunlight, and that moves around constantly. So he could only work for the short time it came at the right angle through his window. Wow.

[@archeewaters]

he's definitely captured a moment here. i love how he infers shapes through highlights! his paintings are beautiful.

[@altrevo]

I absolutely adore this painting! It's so beautiful and captivating. Everything from the girl's expression to the intricate details in the clothing and background is stunning. I'm so thankful to Art Deco for giving such an informative and interesting explanation about the painting. It really made me appreciate the arts even more!

[@sanaoon]

Another great analysis and love watching your videos. Never knew about the alleged lens trick but I still think the art world should consider him a master. On one hand, just because someone can trace does not mean they still possess the proper talent and skill to take a color and mix it over and over to create shape, life and art. Yet on the other, it doesn’t feel like cheating but rather resourceful…? I believe artists at this time realized they needed to find discipline and time management skills that would help aid their livelihood of not only themselves but their families. Really interesting topic to think about so thank you for introducing it in this video.

[@Art_Deco]

I agree. I think of it like, wouldn’t everyone use it if they had it available to them? Btw thank you so much for becoming a channel member 😊

[@sanaoon]

@@Art_Deco keep up the hard work!! 💪

[@joys8726]

This is amazing information. Thank you!

[@hrhargyll]

Fascinating as always.

[@paulawolff3456]

I love this channel and all the wonderful artwork. Your comments are funny and spot on. Vermeer is my favorite painter and I love to stare at his work and find something new everytime I see them. Thank you for showing me things I have missed in these paintings by so many great artists. It's a great channel!!

[@hannahoros]

This is my favorite painting of all time even before knowing these details. No painting made me feel something as much this painting had.

[@kathiejohns1418]

Thank you!I thought I was the only one who thought that was quite possibly NOT a pearl

[@LindzTheLooneyOfLondon]

I always thought that the headscarf and slightly too big jacket were used to separate her from the viewer, we just get a glimpse of natural beauty from her face and wealth from her pearl earring. without showing hair and hinting that the clothes are masking her true form the viewer is left wanting to know more, fantasising over a fantasy woman. in some ways she appears to be dressed older than her years, the clothes swamping her, the headscarf hiding her youth and wearing a jewel more fitting an older woman, this makes me think of this painting as a depiction of a young girl becoming a woman too soon, by dressing in her mother's clothing and attempting, like many a modern teen, to be older than she truly is. this leads me to the question of whether the artist sees it as a sad loss of childhood or as a passage into womanhood, the fake id so to speak of the time. given the hint of sexual temptation in the opening of her moist lips and the sparkle he creates in her eyes I tend to see it as a transition from youth to woman, but one who is still blossoming, under wraps and yet to be touched by a lover or the reality of womanhood. it is fascinating how many interpretations an image or page in a book can inspire, which is why I love the thoughtful and informative takes you to give us In these videos. thank you x

[@floedsje]

Vermeer's painting often had a tiny hole in them where the light source would be. He would probably use a string to make the lighting perfect. I've seen this technique used to replicate the milk girl.

[@theviper1999uk]

Genius work of art, and so much to see in Vermeer. Thank you for making this video, its a delight - I feel very fortunate to live today, where I can learn whatever I want for free online. Vermeer would have put this technology to use for sure!

[@77sarabanda]

Love your sense of your humour

[@iveology_]

Your vids are awesome, please continue!

[@eclipsion136]

There are plenty of people who can't even trace things well, so I don't care if he used a camera obscura, he's still a master of getting that detail into a paint format.

[@ladycharlotte8693]

Her face is so sweet, and the luminosity of her skin and the pearl is captivating…..

[@jendamum]

Great post! I love your channel...thank you for your great content!

[@megwilcox2878]

I really enjoy your takes on art, which never fail to teach me something and make me laugh.

[@DAYbreaking_Ideas]

I really enjoy your videos. It is such a refreshing take on art history. My take is the whatever tools he used, he created something that makes us transfixed which is all that matters.

[@a.l.a.7847]

love how you pack so many interesting questions and information into your videos -- without losing the light and interesting way you deliver it! Thank you.

[@seraphinasullivan4849]

Saw a lady dressed as this painting a few halloweens ago and it was so neat

[@Alisonsgachaverse]

Wow that's cool

[@FlyingBrianFrisbee]

It’s weird this is the first time I’ve seen this picture… but still she seems so familiar to me… like we’ve met before… I’m truly captivated by this one thanks for sharing