Famous eyes by a famous Dutch painter: Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer. For all to see in the recently re-opened Mauritshuis in The Hague. Worth a visit not just for that one famous sultry look but for its many other paintings hailing from the Golden Age.

Describing itself as an intimate museum, the fact that it houses not the largest collection in our country should not deter you from visiting: it just has the best. And for those who plan to visit before December 7th, combine your trip with a visit to the nearby Prince William V Gallery, they have a beautiful Titian on loan from the National Galleries of Scotland.

But what exactly IS that thing with this girl and her pearl? The reflection of light as only Vermeer could capture? The exotic lure of the pearl itself? Look at the painting long enough and a certain sensuality shines through.
I do not possess any real pearls of my own, just these very nice grey faux-pearls, but I do feel pearls manage to outshine diamonds when worn by the right person. Purity, depth and that sensuality waiting just beneath the surface…Vermeer was on to something, for sure.

Sevi

For information on the Mauritshuis click here.