This was a book, which our group read a number of years ago, yet I think it remains one of our favorites. I remember us discussing how masterful Tracy Chevalier was, in her depiction of life in the mid 1600’s, which is when Vermeer painted this masterpiece. In the novel, Vermeer and Griet, a fictional servant in his house, strike up a relationship. He hires her as an assistant and has her model for this painting, while wearing one of his wife’s pearl earrings. Ms Chevalier creates for us, a possible scenario of the story about this beautiful girl. In truth, the identity of the girl is a mystery. No matter what her background though, this painting draws one right in and has the viewer memorized. Vermeer is known to be a true master of being able capture lighting so perfectly on the canvas, and this painting is his ultimate demonstration of that skill.
Well, dear readers, I can attest to that first hand. I have just returned from a trip to Holland and an unexpected close up look, at this amazing painting. One of our days was spent in The Hague, where I expected to see the various government buildings, palaces etc. What I was not expecting, was to come across the Mauritshuis Museum, which houses many of Vermeer’s works, including this very special one. I had not done much pre-trip planning, so was not sure what other attractions there were to see in The Hague. This was a wonderful surprise and treat. And although her real identity may be unknown, I could not help thinking about the story of Griet and her life in Vermeer’s house, which “The Girl with the Pearl Earring” so vividly portrays.
Friday Morning Bookclub 
I also loved The Girl With The Pearl Earring. How thrilling to see the actual painting! Love the interactive picture. What a wonderful way to learn.
Comment by susanbright — August 11, 2010 @ 9:49 am |