Iconography 2

“Girl with a Pearl Earring,” was painted by Johannes Vermeer in 1665.  This painting is quite simple in its composition.  It is simply a girl with a pearl earring, with the earring being used as the focal point.  Unfortunately, very little is known about this painting.  It is unsure if it was painted as a commission and if it was, whom it was for, but either way, it was not meant to be painted in the style of a conventional portrait.  This painting is often referred to as “the Mona Lisa of the North” or “the Dutch Mona Lisa.”  From more recent studies it is thought to be what is considered a “tronie,” which is a 17^th century description of a head that was not meant for a portrait.  In more recent times, both a novel, and a movie have been created which may add a possible background story to the painting.