Girl with a Pearl Earring (Meisje met de parel)
Painting on canvas • Johannes Vermeer
Style & Movement
Dutch Golden Age Baroque
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas; involves advanced glazing with ultramarine, lead-tin-yellow, and madder lake. Used sfumato for skin tones and impasto for the highlight on the pearl.
Creation Period
c. 1665
Dimensions & Format
44.5 cm x 39 cm (17.5 in x 15 in); Portrait format
Subject Description
A 'tronie' (character study) of a young girl wearing an exotic turban and a large pendant pearl earring. She is depicted in a three-quarter turn looking over her shoulder against a dark background, showcasing a play of light and shadow (chiaroscuro).
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; professionally restored in 1994, which improved clarity and revealed original details in the background and clothing.
Estimated Market Value
Inestimable (National Treasure); historically priceless, likely exceeding $150 million - $200 million if reaching the open market.
Auction Estimate
N/A; Publicly held and considered invaluable.
Provenance History
Sold at auction in The Hague (1881) to Arnoldus Andries des Tombe for 2 guilders; bequeathed to the Mauritshuis in 1902; currently in the collection of the Mauritshuis, The Hague.
Art Historical Significance
One of the most iconic works in Western art history. It represents the pinnacle of Vermeer's lighting technique and is often referred to as the 'Mona Lisa of the North.' It illustrates Vermeer's mastery of the tronie genre.
Notable Features
The 'pearl' is actually translucent paint strokes with a brilliant highlight; the blue turban is made of expensive lapis lazuli; the background was originally a translucent dark green glaze over black.
Condition Issues
Stable craquelure (fine network of cracks) across the surface, minor old losses restored during the 1994 conservation project, and very slight yellowing of older varnish layers.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain strictly controlled environmental conditions (50% RH, 20°C); keep in a low-UV lighting environment; continue non-invasive monitoring via macro-XRF and OCT scanning.