It’s hard to know which ‘Girl with the Pearl Earring’ is more famous today; Vermeer’s masterpiece from around 1665, or Tracey Chevalier’s novel of 1999 which takes the painting – and the pearl earring – as the basis of her story. Whilst there is only one Vermeer painting, Chevalier’s novel has reportedly sold over two million copies and spawned a movie and a play.
So why was Vermeer drawn to the girl – and the pearl earring? He’d actually been here before with an earlier painting called ‘Women With A Pearl Necklace’ that featured an older female wearing a pearl necklace and an oversized drop pearl earring. It was clear this lady was a member of the Dutch upper crust, and the pearls were a symbol of her wealth.
The better known ‘Girl With A Pearl Earring’ however is today thought of as being inspired by art and not life. Turban wearing young girls wearing pearl earrings were not part of Dutch 17th century life. The painting is now thought of as a ‘tronie’ – a painting of a head, not an actual portrait. The pearl earring adds to the exotic feeling of the painting – adding a touch of glamour that many pearl jewellery wearers will understand.
Chevalier’s novel tells the fictional story of Griet, a 16-year-old Dutch girl who becomes a maid in the house of the painter Johannes Vermeer. Her calm and perceptive manner not only helps her in her household duties, but also attracts the painter's attention. Though different in upbringing, education and social standing, they have a similar way of looking at things. Vermeer slowly draws her into the world of his paintings - the still, luminous images of solitary women in domestic settings. We won’t spoil the story by revealing the importance of the pearl earring!
Pearl Earrings Today
Any woman wanting to become another ‘girl with a pearl earring’ will find there is now a world of choice unknown to previous generations. Styles include classic pearl studs, stud earrings and drop earrings. And these styles will also offer a range of pearl types – likely to include Freshwater, Tahitian and Akoya pearls. Further choice is offered by the range of colours to choose and select from. As stylish today as they were in Vermeer’s time, pearl earrings make a great choice for today’s woman.