Girl with a Pearl Earring

"Girl with a Pearl Earring," painted by Johannes Vermeer around 1665, is a renowned example of the Dutch Golden Age's fascination with portraiture and the use of light. The painting is often referred to as a "tronie," a type of work that depicts an exaggerated facial expression or character rather than a specific individual, and it is celebrated for its masterful rendering of light and texture, particularly in the depiction of the earring and the girl's enigmatic expression.

"Girl with a Pearl Earring" by Johannes Vermeer, measuring 44.5 cm by 39 cm, depicts a young woman in a turban and an exotic dress, turning her head over her shoulder to gaze directly at the viewer. The painting is characterized by its use of light and shadow to create a soft, luminous effect, with the focal point being the large, reflective pearl earring that contrasts with the dark, undefined background.