Girl with a pearl earring (c.1665) - Johannes Vermeer & Mystery

Personal Reflection

For the longest time, I simply could not understand the notoriety this painting has received. But as I have looked at it again and again, I kept being drawn back by something. Vermeer has painted the quintessential tronie. The unidentified woman's expression is just as much an enigma as the model herself: it is simply up to so much interpretation. However, when I see this image, I picture a farewell. A last look behind the shoulder before she mutters a final utterance. The most striking feature has to be the eyes, which have always confounded me. Do they indicate longing? Regret? I've yet to decide myself.