When we think of the masterpieces of world painting, a few works immediately come to mind. Among them, Johannes Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring” holds a special place. Often referred to as the “Mona Lisa of the North,” this enigmatic portrait captivates with the depth of its gaze and the delicacy of its light.
I had the immense pleasure of seeing this painting with my own eyes at the Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague, and believe me, the experience goes far beyond a simple museum visit. It is a true immersion into the Dutch Golden Age, set in a place that is both intimate and majestic.
To give you some background, I had dreamed of seeing this painting in person for years. During that time, the desire never left me. Finally, I took the time I had promised myself. During these years of waiting, I devoured books about Girl with a Pearl Earring, delved into research on Vermeer, his life, his work, and even his patrons. Each reading and discovery only fueled my desire to stand before this work. And finally, after years of imagining it, I had the chance to admire this painting. To say my eyes sparkled would be an understatement.
In this article, I will share this exceptional encounter with you.
1. The Mauritshuis Museum: A Jewel of Art and History
The Mauritshuis Museum is a work of art in itself. Located in the heart of The Hague, the museum is housed in a 17th-century mansion. The elegance of the classical architecture, with its harmonious proportions and large windows, instantly transports you to another time—the era when wealthy Dutch merchants and nobility built sumptuous residences. When I arrived at the Mauritshuis, I had hoped to stroll around a bit before it opened, to pass the time.
However, the Binnenhof, located just next to it, was under construction. With no other option, I resigned myself to waiting for the museum to open, alone in the cold October air, 20 minutes before the doors opened. I had plenty of time to observe the building, with its lights illuminating the windows in various colors.
At 10 a.m., the doors finally opened. The Mauritshuis is a human-scaled museum, far from the vastness of Parisian or London museums, where you can take your time to appreciate each artwork, linger over the details, and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the crowd.
The Mauritshuis houses an impressive collection of masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age, including works by Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and Jan Steen, but of course, Girl with a Pearl Earring is the museum’s star attraction. It is presented in a simple way that highlights the painting’s subtlety. During my visit, I returned to the room where it is displayed three times to ensure I had it fully imprinted in my mind. The first time, there was a small line of people waiting to see it up close, but the second and third times, I was alone. Perfect!
2. The Girl with a Pearl Earring: A Long-Awaited Encounter
From the moment my eyes fell upon Girl with a Pearl Earring, time seemed to stop. There I was! This painting, created by Johannes Vermeer around 1665, is much more than a simple portrait. In fact, it’s not a portrait at all; it’s a tronie. This means it’s a painting of a random face, unlike a portrait, which depicts a known individual. Girl with a Pearl Earring is a silent dialogue between the artwork and the viewer, a moment suspended in eternity. You are quickly captivated by the girl’s gaze—a deep look, both gentle and penetrating.
The Light and Fascinating Realism
What strikes you immediately is the light. Vermeer is often called the “master of light,” and this painting perfectly demonstrates why. The girl’s face is bathed in a soft, almost ethereal light that seems to come from nowhere. It is this light that gives the painting its incredible realism. The skin looks alive, the eyes shine, and the pearl’s reflection is stunningly subtle.
The contrast between the girl’s luminous face and the dark background creates an almost palpable sense of intimacy. It feels as if the girl could step out of the frame at any moment, so delicate and precise is the rendering. Every detail, from the texture of her blue and yellow turban to the dangling pearl, is exquisitely executed.
3. Who Was the Girl with a Pearl Earring? The Theories and Mysteries Surrounding the Painting
Vermeer deliberately left the context of the portrait vague, which only adds to its mystery. The painting is undated, and the identity of the model remains a subject of speculation, which leads me to the next question: Who was this young girl? For centuries, art historians have debated her true identity.
Was She a Member of Vermeer’s Family?
One popular theory suggests that the girl might have been a member of Vermeer’s family, perhaps even one of his daughters. Vermeer, known for his intimate interior scenes and portraits of women, may have chosen a familiar model for this painting. This could explain the closeness and intimacy that emanates from the work.
A Servant or an Unknown Model?
Other hypotheses suggest she could have been a servant or an anonymous model. Since this painting is a tronie—a common type of artwork at the time that depicted imaginary figures rather than real people—it’s possible that this girl never existed in reality. She might be an idealized representation of feminine beauty, a poetic figure born from Vermeer’s imagination.
The mystery remains unsolved, but that’s part of the painting’s charm. Every visitor is free to interpret it as they wish, and perhaps it is this freedom that makes Girl with a Pearl Earring so timeless.
4. Other Must-See Masterpieces at the Mauritshuis
While Girl with a Pearl Earring is undoubtedly the star of the Mauritshuis, the museum is much more than just a showcase for this Vermeer masterpiece. To be honest, I didn’t expect to find so many works on display. There are two other Vermeer paintings and a remarkable array of works by other well-known artists.
An Impressive Collection of Rembrandt
I was surprised to see so many Rembrandt paintings gathered in one place. We often hear about The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Tulp, a masterful painting in which the raw realism of the dissection contrasts with the studious attention of the doctors. But that’s just one of the many Rembrandt works at the Mauritshuis. Among the other notable paintings are Young Man with a Golden Chain and The Jewish Bride, both shining examples of Rembrandt’s genius for capturing the texture of fabrics and the intensity of human emotions through light and shadow.
It’s incredible to see how omnipresent Rembrandt is in this museum, and each of his works reveals a different facet of his talent. Whether in the meticulous representation of faces or in the unique way he manipulated light, Rembrandt seems to hold the key to understanding 17th-century art.
Other Treasures to Discover
The Mauritshuis isn’t just about Rembrandt. During my wanderings through its rooms, I also discovered works by other Dutch masters that impressed me with their variety. One of my favorites is Carel Fabritius’ The Goldfinch, a small but incredibly delicate painting. This tiny bird, chained to a perch, draws you in with its apparent simplicity, yet there is something profoundly moving in its realism and quiet melancholy. It’s the kind of painting that stays with you long after you leave the museum.
I also couldn’t overlook the works of Frans Hals, famous for his vibrant portraits and energetic brushstrokes. His paintings, whether of nobles or more modest figures, exude a vitality that seems to defy time. I was particularly struck by the vivid colors and fine details in his portraits, as if he had captured a fleeting moment in life with astonishing precision.
Jan Steen’s works, with their humorous genre scenes, brought several smiles to my face. His paintings, often inspired by everyday Dutch life, are full of amusing details and lively scenes. It’s another side of Dutch art that reveals itself here: a subtle, almost ironic humor that invites us to lean in and appreciate the wit of the situations.
A unique feature that sets the Mauritshuis apart
What makes the Mauritshuis so special is its intimacy. Unlike larger museums where artworks are spread across vast galleries, each room here seems thoughtfully curated to create a dialogue between the paintings. This intimate setting allows for a true closeness with the works of art. It feels like visiting a private collection, almost as if you’ve been invited into a 17th-century home where each painting tells its own story.
It’s not an enormous museum where you might get lost, but rather a place where you can take your time, appreciate the details, without being overwhelmed by the sheer number of pieces. In addition, the museum’s architectural setting, a former nobleman’s house, greatly contributes to this cozy atmosphere.
That’s why, even if your main reason for visiting is Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, it would be a shame not to explore the other treasures this unique museum holds.
5. The Exceptional Setting of the Mauritshuis: Hofvijver and Binnenhof
The Mauritshuis is ideally located in a historic area of The Hague, right next to the Hofvijver, a picturesque pond that reflects the surrounding buildings in its calm waters. After my visit, I took the time to stroll along its banks, enjoying the peacefulness and beauty of the place.
Unfortunately, the Binnenhof, a complex of medieval buildings that now houses the Dutch government, was under construction during my visit. However, I was still able to snap a few photos of the façades here and there.
6. Bonus: Is Seeing a Work of Art in Person Different from Seeing a Reproduction?
This was a question that troubled me before seeing Girl with a Pearl Earring, as I had seen so many reproductions, postcards, etc., that I was worried I might be disappointed.
But seeing a work of art in person is a radically different experience from seeing a reproduction, and it’s not just a subjective impression.
A study conducted at the Mauritshuis scientifically proved this: looking at Girl with a Pearl Earring in person triggers an emotional response ten times more intense than when viewing a reproduction. This phenomenon is explained by the fact that our brain reacts much more strongly to original artworks, stimulating the brain’s reward system and regions linked to emotions.
Using EEG (electroencephalogram) measurements and eye-tracking, the study showed that when faced with a real work of art, our brain enters a creative process: we imagine, remember, and try to understand the artist’s message. By comparison, reproductions, no matter how well done, don’t activate these brain mechanisms as intensely. This explains why seeing a work in person is an incomparable experience.
7. Practical Tips for Visiting the Mauritshuis
For those wishing to discover this exceptional museum, here are some practical tips that helped me make the most of my visit:
- Book your tickets online: Since the Mauritshuis is a relatively small museum, it can quickly become crowded, especially during peak hours. I recommend booking your tickets online in advance, which will save you time and help you avoid waiting in line.
- Choose off-peak hours: If you want to admire Girl with a Pearl Earring in relative peace, try visiting the museum early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This will help you avoid the crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience.
Conclusion
My visit to the Mauritshuis met all my expectations. It was a true journey into the fascinating world of Dutch Golden Age painters. And of course, the encounter with Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring will remain an unforgettable moment.
