Girl with a Pearl Earring

When Vermeer's wife sees the painting of Griet - she flies into a rage. Griet is asked to leave the house and discontinue her service as a maid for them. Griet returns home and she soon receives a package. Inside are her ex-mistresses' (Vermeer's wife) two pearl earrings.

Steph

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Mistakes

Revealing mistake: When Griet has her left ear pierced in order to wear the earring for the portrait, the cloth covering her hair and ears stops just short of covering a well-healed hole in her already pierced right ear.

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Quotes

Vermeer: Look at me. Now, turn your head. Not your shoulders. Look at me. There. That's it.

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Questions

Question: Why did Vermeer's wife call the painting obscene? I'm sure there's more than 1 interpretation of it.

Answer: As with most paintings, there are undoubtedly different interpretations - everyone has their own views. In the movie, Vermeer's wife felt that it was obscene - that's her interpretation. A number of art critics have commented on a 'subtle eroticism' in the painting, and this may be what is being alluded to, using Catherina to carry the message across. It's worth pointing out that a number of Vermeer experts have disagreed quite vehemently with the portrayal of Catherina in the film - surviving historical evidence would seem to indicate that Vermeer's marriage was a happy one.

Tailkinker ★

Answer: Because her mouth was slightly open.

Answer: Because it was a picture of a servant.

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