An Iridescent Beauty (Girl With A Pearl Earring)

I saw the film Girl With A Pearl Earring a couple of years back. At the time, I was struck by how much was said with so little dialogue. Both Colin Firth's and Scarlett Johansson's performances were understated but powerful. The novel is the same.

Tracy Chevalier's historical novel was inspired by the Johannes Vermeer painting of the same name. It is essentially an imagining of how the painting came about and, although based on fact, it is largely fictional based on how little is actually known about Vermeer's life.

Set in Delft, Holland in the 17th century, Girl With A Pearl Earring follows 16-year-old Griet as she goes to work as a maid for the painter Vermeer. Forced into the occupation to help support her family, Griet strives for more. Her tranquil manner and attention to detail endear her to her Master.

Although fairly short, Chevalier's novel is as rich and detailed as one of Vermeer's paintings. From the descriptions of preparing paints using minerals and elements from the apothecary, to the exploration of class system through the depiction of various lifestyles, the amount of research and attention that has gone into this book is astounding. Perhaps the most extraordinary aspect is Chevalier's understanding of Vermeer's work and her ability to chronicle his artistic processes.

Nonetheless, Girl With A Pearl Earring is so well-characterised and poignant that the historical details seem an afterthought. Although I knew the story itself was fiction, I found it impossible not to search for the truth in it. And so Tracy Chevalier has painted a beautiful picture of how life once was... or, perhaps, could've been.