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Girl With a Pearl Earring

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"Girl with a Pearl Earring" is an oil painting by Dutch Golden Age painter Johannes Vermeer, dated c. 1665. Going by various names over the centuries, it became known by its present title towards the end of the 20th century after the earring worn by the girl portrayed there. Wikipedia Artist: Johannes Vermeer Dimensions: 44 cm x 39 cm Location: Mauritshuis Created: 1665 Period: Dutch Golden Age Medium: Oil on canvas What do you tell me, My Beauty? You turn and stop.., you look at me with your wistful eyes, your luscious lips are apart, but you remain voiceless… The pearl in your ear shines ~ light on your face shimmers mysteriously, your eyes are calm ~ reflecting, refracting the depth of your emotions… those dove-like eyes are artist’s inspiration! The topaz blueness of your headscarf with which you have covered your sensuality, surround your face with serenity of the ocean, gleaming emerald green of your dress evokes the unspoilt beauty of your youth….. You are not what you appear to many souls in this mundane world… they don’t see the painter’s Muse… You are the nymph, who visited me for a rare moment of tranquility, the Pearl shone, an iridescent gem sparkling, opening your heart~ You remain immortal in my creation... my masterpiece?! April 25, 2022 For Brian Strand Premiere Choice Poetry Contest THIRD PLACE

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Paula Goldsmith

Date: 5/12/2022 2:03:00 PM

An amazing write. You captured the picture with your words. Thanks for the added information. Have a blessed day writing away.................

Valsa George

Date: 5/1/2022 4:46:00 AM

What a lovely portrait you have drawn with your pen , perhaps a little more beautiful than what Johannes Vermeer has done with his brush strokes."The topaz blueness of your headscarf with which you have covered your sensuality, surround your face with serenity of the ocean, gleaming emerald green" .....Love this description!

Gary Radice

Date: 4/29/2022 6:58:00 AM

Hi Malibika! I enjoy writing and - in particular - reading the ekphrasis form of poetry. Congratulations on your podium place in Brian's contest - I really enjoyed this.. I like how you started with a question which helped lead me into the poem. After reading this I 'googled' the painting and found out that the portrait was not of an actual person but someone Vermeer visualised. I think that adds an extra level of mystery to the painting and ultimately your work too. Cheers - Gary.

Malabika Ray Choudhury
Date: 4/29/2022 7:25:00 AM

Hi Gary! So good to read your comments. I got interested in the history of this painting when I decided to write a poem on it. I researched a bit, and read another story - according to that story, the girl was a sixteen-year old maid in his house, who used to clean his studio. Very interesting, isn’t it? No one really knows who the girl was - and it makes the painting more mysterious! Thank you for commenting.

Swetha Vangaveti

Date: 4/29/2022 3:10:00 AM

I have been pulsating between the poem and the picture!! What a lovely write!!

Malabika Ray Choudhury
Date: 4/29/2022 7:27:00 AM

Thank you so much, Swetha. What a lovely comment! I am glad you liked both the picture and the poem.

Jcb Brul

Date: 4/29/2022 2:44:00 AM

You gave a sublime justice to the painting dear Mala. A breathtaking ekphrasis.. Congratulations!!!

Malabika Ray Choudhury
Date: 4/29/2022 7:28:00 AM

Thank you, Dear JCB. You are a master of Ekphrasis - glad you liked it!

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 4/29/2022 1:48:00 AM

Mala, I am so happy to see this beautiful poem with a podium win. It is truly deserving. Congratulations! Blessings xxoo

Malabika Ray Choudhury
Date: 4/29/2022 7:29:00 AM

Dear Connie, thank you so much. I want to read yours - how do I find it? Sent you a soup-mail. Love ~ Mala

Christuraj Alex

Date: 4/29/2022 1:48:00 AM

Great poem on "Girl With A Pearl Earring". True inspiration to me too, after reading your poem. Congratulations!

Malabika Ray Choudhury
Date: 4/29/2022 7:30:00 AM

Thank you, Christuraj. Your comments truly inspire me.

Harry Horsman

Date: 4/27/2022 1:41:00 AM

If only the artist where alive today, Mala, your words bring out the very soul of each stroke of his brush, word after word, stroke after stroke, till the completion of something wonderful.

Malabika Ray Choudhury
Date: 4/29/2022 7:32:00 AM

Thank you, Harry. I am finding happiness in using this form - because I am interested in art history - learning the history of these famous paintings while writing my poems.

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 4/26/2022 2:14:00 PM

You captured her innocence and youth perfectly Mala. I love that painting and I actually traveled to see it on my last trip to Amsterdam. She resembles my oldest daughter who does not wear makeup. I felt the same way about this painting as you do. I would like to share my poem with you and you will see how we think alike. I love your poem. https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/girl_with_the_pearl_earring_897860 Hugs, Connie xxoo

Malabika Ray Choudhury
Date: 4/29/2022 7:38:00 AM

Dear Connie, your comments are so detailed and so inspiring, I look forward to read them. Wow! You saw the real painting! I am very much in love with artistic creations - visiting these museums are my passions. I can look at these paintings for hours. Unfortunately the link you sent, didn’t work. How do I read your poem, Connie? Sent you a mail. Love ~ Mala