The Girl with a Pearl Earring, the mysterious masterpiece by Vermeer

[@makibo.mp4]

The fact that this is just one of Vermeer's study adds that cool aspect to Vermeer as a person, very discreet and lets his works speak for itself

[@kimberlypatton205]

He was an ultimate genius when it came to magnificent light technique! His works serve as instruction and example of supreme light and shade as a master! He has been a beloved painter to me for over 50 years, there is no equal in my book for capturing wonderful moods using his perceptions using golden auras!

[@bev9708]

Absolutely FASCINATING, as always Carel!!! An all time favourite of mine also, yes indeed, discovered back in the 80s when I hitchhiked around Europe in my 20s and had my breath taken away by Vermeer!! I had this poster on my wall for at least 25 years after that! Many many thanks , what a pleasure!!!!

[@storiesofart]

Thanks! do you have a favourite vermeer?

[@bev9708]

​@@storiesofart OH yeah this one!! My dad bought me the book as soon as it came out as every visit for maybe 25years he saw the big poster of it on my refrigerator !! 😄

[@AdDewaard-hu3xk]

She's on the kitchen wall. I greet her every morning.

[@jsprite123]

The "pearl" really balances the painting, and I think therein lies Vermeer's genius. Remove this pearl (cover it with you hand) and the picture looks plain, yes, a girl looking at us, but "something" is missing. The pearl sparkles on its own, but also makes the whole painting sparkle as well. The Mona Lisa makes you focus on her lips/smile, whereas in The Girl with the Pearl Earring your eyes go from her eyes, to her lips, to the earring, and back again!

[@dumoulin11]

That "pearl" looks like a thin metal pendant that has been silver-leafed. Her ear lobe does not seem stretched down by a weighty object (as a pearl that size would be) so to me, this might indicate that what he meant to portray was a hollow metal orb with a layer of polished leaf on it.

[@storiesofart]

It could also be that he added it at the last moment, just to give that bit of extra light there.

[@Vedika-ramani]

Nice Description . Great painting .

[@lauramason5667]

I’ve been following you on Instagram for quite some time and so happy to find you here. I’m subscribing.❤

[@yellowboot6629]

Thank'YOU Carel ❣️

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

Lots of interesting bits of information plus some intriguing details; for example, what it seems to be a pearl is something else (to be honest, I don't care what is it, because is totally irrelevant) whatever it may be is just another proof of Vermeer's amazing skill. Another detail regarding the fake "Vermeers" is the splendid "Girl with a red hat" in the NGA of Washington. My instinct tells me is a Vermeer and even if someone came up with conclusive evidence it is not, I couldn't care less and still would be one of my favourite paintings of all time. Going a bit further, I would say that the argument against being a genuine Vermeer, based on the fact that the support (an oak panel) is unique to Vermeer's oeuvre is very flimsy if not ridiculous, many famous painters experimented with different pigments and/or supports. For example, Adam Elsheimer painted almost all his works on copper plates, however there are a few authenticated works by him on wood. Anyway, thank you for this excellent video and yes, this is one of the most beautiful and alluring paintings if all time.

[@NickPenlee]

Another extremely informative video supplying many interesting facts regarding this iconic work. I know that these videos are time-consuming to make and I thank you so much for presenting them for us. I've wondered whether the 'girl' is actually a modification of some of his other characters that feature in his paintings. She could be, "The Milkmaid", or perhaps the background maid in "Woman Writing a Letter, With Her Maid". What about "The Art of Painting" or "Woman With a Water Jug". The faces are not dissimilar, barring the hair colour. Just my thoughts! Regards.

[@storiesofart]

Sure, that is certainly possible. I think many painters worked that way. Often the people painters painted seem te be similar as if they were related

[@NickPenlee]

@@storiesofart Yes, there are too many holes in his life to be definitive about anything. I wouldn't fall over in shock if it was learnt that his 'model' was a member of his household staff, as per the movie!

[@eteixeira3532]

There's any chance someone recreate this painting, but with the true colors Vermeer used originally? If we know that the background was a green curtain, why didn't recreate it?

[@storiesofart]

I suppose it would be easy to do it digitally

[@MariaEdna-ls5mg]

Muito lindo esse trabalho

[@janie7242]

The size of the pearl was too big for common people can afford it! Real? In doubt! Pretty but a bit unrealistic though. 🤔

[@IzMah-xi2iu]

Don't block d painting move it