The Girl with a Pearl Earring
Nihal D Amerasekera
Every year we
do a family holiday together. This year we went to Deal in Kent. There we
stayed in a large Victorian house by the sea. The house had all the trappings
of an era now long gone. We arrived at our destination late on a long summer
evening. The sun was still shining
bright and it was hot. Tired after the long journey we all craved for some
wine. As we all sat in the spacious lounge, I was struck by the gaze of a
beautiful girl. This enigmatic gaze was both intimate and ambiguous. Actually,
she was peering through the glass of a framed painting. I was simply mesmerized
and bewitched by her beauty. I had seen the painting before and had to get
closer to appreciate the subtle nuances of her gaze.
The painting of the ‘Girl with pearl earrings” was done by Johannes Vermeer, a Dutch painter circa 1665. The original was done in oil on canvas and presently hangs in the Mauritshuis museum in the Hague, Netherlands. The girl in the painting looks distinctly European but with an oriental turban. There is much speculation, but the true subject of this painting is unknown. Some say she is a Biblical figure. Others believe it is Sybil from Greek mythology. There is also a suggestion she may be Maria, the painter’s daughter. Could she be a real model?
Some believe
this is not a painting of a real person but a ‘tronie’ which is just a painting
of an imaginary figure as was sometimes done in those days. The lack of moles
and scars on the face, it seems, supports this view.
Johannes
Vermeer is one of the most famous Dutch painters of the 17th century. He is
famous for his amazing use of light. This is shown here in the softness of the
girl’s face and the glimmers of light on her moist lips. He has managed to
capture a calm and captivating look on her face. She has a most striking gaze. The
dark background creates a timeless atmosphere. The prominent pearl earring adds
to the painting's air of mystery and exoticism.
It was first
called “ The girl with a turban”. The turban was then a fashion accessory
during the long years of Turkish wars. It was much later when it was called “The
girl with a pearl earring”.
In 1999 Tracy
Chevalier wrote a historical novel “ Girl with a pearl earring” inspired by
this painting. She creates a story about the association of Vermeer and the
model, Griet. According to Tracy
Chevalier her expression has been described as a mix of innocence and
experience, joy and sorrow, longing and loss.
The novel was adapted into a 2003 film starring Scarlett Johansson and
Colin Firth, directed by Peter Webber.
On returning
home from our holiday I made the decision to draw the girl with the pearl
earrings to the best of my ability. I knew it would be a huge challenge and a
gargantuan task. This took me a couple of weeks to complete. As always, I am
never fully satisfied with the final outcome. But I know my limitations. I just
hope I have done her justice by recreating her beauty, innocence and naivety
and that mesmerizing gaze with a tinge of sadness.
I believe
paintings, poems and music are closely interwoven and have much in common to
create beauty, charm and elegance in our minds. A very famous poem about a girl
is "She Walks in Beauty" by Lord Byron. The poem describes a woman's
external beauty and inner grace, emphasizing her harmonious and balanced
nature. The piece of music that comes easily to mind is Debussy’s "The
Girl with the Flaxen Hair". His successful portrayal of the girl’s
emotions is tied in with the musical simplicity of the prelude. A most
beautiful piece of music which is one of my favourites.
From AI:
Recent
research using advanced imaging techniques has revealed new details about the
painting's creation and hidden features, including a green curtain behind the
girl and the presence of eyelashes. Girl with a Pearl Earring" has gained
immense popularity in recent times, becoming a cultural icon and inspiring a
bestselling novel and a film adaptation. It has even been called "The Mona
Lisa of the North", highlighting its captivating nature and the lingering
mystery surrounding its subject.
