Girl with a Pearl Earring

Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring from around 1665, in the Mauritshuis, is among the most famous paintings in the world—a "tronie" (character study) of a young woman in an exotic turban who turns toward the viewer with parted lips and a glistening pearl earring. The painting's identity as a tronie rather than a portrait means the model's name is unknown, adding to the mystery that has fueled centuries of speculation. Tracy Chevalier's 1999 novel and its 2003 film adaptation cemented the painting's status as a cultural icon.

Vermeer achieves an effect of extraordinary luminosity through the subtle modeling of the face, the brilliant highlight on the pearl earring, and the moist gleam on the parted lips. The dark background eliminates all context, focusing attention entirely on the interplay of light, color, and expression.