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39 cm, i.e. 17.5 in *

15 in, and is estimated at around 1665. Other names have been assigned to the painting as well: "Mona Lisa of the North" or "Dutch Mona Lisa" are just two examples. It was auctioned in

1885 in The Hague where it received not more than two Gulden and thirty cent. Whether it was the bad condition which required renovation or just uncertain authorship is unclear. The popularity of nowadays is certainly a merit of the same named novel and film. Description The Girl with Pearl Earring stands in front of a dark, yet due to its complexity not black, background. No context is given and the colors used for the maid will give her maximal exposure: A soft light shines on her face, while the turban on her head is painted in a bright and strong blue and yellow. Her lips are held in a deep red, what balances the focus of the viewer. The true focal point however is C and here we might argue a bit C either the reflecting pearl earring or the fact, that her eyes seem to interact with the viewer. Otherwise, she seems to be a little bit lost in her thoughts, a very typical atmosphere in Vermeer's paintings. The interaction with the viewer however, is less typical and for sure a crucial element which determines enchanting attractiveness of this painting. We do not know who the girl is, neither if the work was commissioned or if we see a paid model. The turban was by the way a popular accessory during the 17th century as oriental culture enjoyed a risen interest after the wars with the Ottoman wars in Europe. Exposition The Girl with Pearl Earring was acquired by the Mauritshuis, The Hague where it is shown with two other paintings by Vermeer. These are: Diana and Her Companions and the View of Delft. 文章二: The Milkmaid by Jan Johannes Vermeer The Milkmaid, sometimes also ?The Kitchen Maid? is a painting by the Dutch painter and artist Johannes (Jan) Vermeer. The painting was executed as oil on canvas, having the dimensions 45,5x

41 cm, i.e. 17? in * 16? in and as with most of Vermeer's paintings C we do not know exactly when the Milkmaid has been executed. However, most estimates date it back to the range of

1658 to 1660. The Milkmaid has been one of the most appreciated paintings in Vermeer's legacy. This holds true even for the 17th century: In an auction hold after the early death of Vermeer, the painting was sold for

175 Gulden, quite a sum at those days of economic downturn, when many other Vermeer's had to be sold under value. Just for a comparison: The Girl with the Pearl Earring was auctioned for

2 Gulden and thirty cents in 1881. Description The Dutch for the painting is De Melkmeid or Het Melkmeisj, both terms mean exactly Mildmaid (women milking the cows on a farm), yet we see rather a domestic kitchen maid, i.e. servant in charge with kitchen work. She is pouring milk in a special bowl known also as ?Dutch oven? on a table. The low social status can not be concluded only from the women's simple clothing and her cap. X-ray examinations of the Milkmaid also revealed that Vermeer initially intended to draw a map on the wall in the background. But he obviously preferred to keep the wall as simple and spartan as the rest of the kitchen, being marked even with some holes, which again underline the poor conditions the woman is working in. Yet, the colors of the clothing are strong and bright, which are so typical for Johannes Vermeer. They feature a contrasting yellow and blue;

as well as a strong red. Thus, the attention of the viewer is immediately attracted by the working maid, who stands in a soft light entering the window. In combination with her very concentration, rather resembling a kind of contemplation, this gives the painting a somewhat mystic, maybe tender atmosphere, which is ultimately reconfirmed by the slight smile of the maid. Maybe a discreet allusion to the reputation of milk and kitchen maids at those times: being rather prone for tender and erotic activities. Exposition Today, more precisely since 1908, you can admire The Milkmaid at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, which holds also three other Vermeer paintings: Namely: The little Street, Woman in Blue Reading a Letter and The Love Letter.