From the Bookshelf of Mineola Library's 2012 FALL Reading Challenge…

Girl with a Pearl Earring

Tracy Chevalier

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Mar 04, 2010 Suzanne Moore rated it really liked it

Shelves: spring-challenge-picks

Vermeer was an artist that I never really paid attention to. But, Tracy Chevalier has changed that for me. After reading about Griet, I wanted to know more about the artist she was enamored with. Johannes Vermeer, a famous Dutch painter, is noted for his paintings of girls and women. Some of which include paintings of a woman standing at the window reading a letter, standing with a water jug, and one asleep at the table. There is also the one mentioned in the book, of a “girl with the pearl neck Vermeer was an artist that I never really paid attention to. But, Tracy Chevalier has changed that for me. After reading about Griet, I wanted to know more about the artist she was enamored with. Johannes Vermeer, a famous Dutch painter, is noted for his paintings of girls and women. Some of which include paintings of a woman standing at the window reading a letter, standing with a water jug, and one asleep at the table. There is also the one mentioned in the book, of a “girl with the pearl necklace” wearing a yellow jacket. I noticed several things that were mentioned in the book as details in Vermeer’s online art (Essential Vermeer). Commentary about his work suggests that he “treasured the fur-trimmed morning jacket.” I must say the yellow ermine-trimmed jacket was very striking.

When Griet, a housemaid, is requested by her master Johannes to pose for him, she worries that it will cost her job. It is Vermeer’s wife that she must hide from. Johannes has never painted his wife, who most certainly would get rid of her out of jealousy. It is true in the end, when the painting is discovered there is quite a scandal. Griet leaves the service of the Vermeer household to marry the butcher’s son Pieter. I believe she was haunted by her memory of her master. Over the two years of her employment she struggled with the sensual attraction and longing she had for him. Chevalier isn’t explicit when describing Griet’s feelings, but the subtle hints supply the reader’s imagination.

Years later when Griet hears of Vermeer’s death, she is called to a reading of the will. It is a surprise that he has left her the pearl earrings she wore for him when posing for his painting. She also learned that the painting of her, he previously had sold, was requested by him on loan during his last days. She is touched that he wanted to see her once more before he left the world. The feelings she had for him may have been reciprocated for her, but their circumstances prevented them from sharing their feelings with each other … a bittersweet secret kind of love.
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May 28, 2011 Mary Lou rated it it was amazing

Jun 19, 2011 Sharon rated it really liked it

Feb 16, 2012 Margo rated it it was amazing

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