This Painting of a Mystery Girl Is on Another Level 

To whoever is running this channel: Thank you for all the hard work and amazing information.

Using a device doesn’t make him less of an artist. J still had to mix the paint, choose the colors, brush the paint on, etc. he still chose to make two strokes for the pearl rather than many dots or any other way to depict it. There is artistry in how he translated what he saw, even if a device was used.

A camera obscura is a legitimate artists' tool. The level of artistic mastery is still off the chart. PS love this channel.

I've seen this portrait and it literally glows. It is an amazing work of art. The colors are amazing and I prefer it to the Mona Lisa.

Whoever she was, she was beautiful and so is the rendition, indeed a masterpiece!

I painted a grisaille version of this painting for a semi private class studying classical portrait techniques. The fabrics are a lot fun, surprisingly loose strokes barely blended if at all. The face is so subtle at times, like the tone of parts of the nose is barely different from the cheek behind it, it is a real challenge. I agree it raises so many questions, I think this part of what makes it so compelling.

This portrait was done 359 years ago, yet her beauty is alluring across the centuries.

This has always been one of my favorite paintings, but after this video I feel like I'm seeing it for the first time. I never before noticed that the earring wasn't actually drawn but simply suggested. Mind blown.

I love your videos! I know a little (really little) art history, and I like watching paintings, or restoration videos, but never understood why some painting get so much attention (and some not). But thanks to your videos I start to understand (even a little). Thank you!

The camera obscura was a tool to aid the artist in their creation. Vermeer was still incredibly skilled and knowledgeable about his craft, which is what made his paintings at all possible.

Even a device like a camera obscura wouldn’t detract from Vermeer’s mastery of painting. It wouldn’t be any less or more than arranging the lighting or an angle of sight. That aside, thank you for discussing the remarkable lives he created on canvas. I enjoy your videos very much.

What a shame that we will never see the drawing in it's original form, considering the green changed colors so strongly over time. Makes you almost wonder what else could have been in the background that is now forever hidden

A 2013 documentary called Tim's Vermeer was wonderful. Anyone who likes this painting, liked the film or likes Dutch art would enjoy this documentary, too. It set me on fire and I bought my first optical drawing tool which was super fun to use!

This painting is so ethereal

This reminds me of taking a class with my favorite art history teacher in college. The knowledge, the interest in detail, and the SASS are all excellent

6:43 That painting is insane. It's as close as we can get to a photo from that time.

I am from the Netherlands! I am so happy this painting is a part of our culture it is so gorgeous ❤️

Art never ceases to amaze. Thank you for opening my eyes and my senses.

At 2:48 you say, "it doesn't even have a hook to hang it". I'm sitting with a couple of artists right now and they've pointed out that this is clearly the hook into her earlobe. Regardless, it's such a wonderfull, well known painting that I've always admired as long as I can remember. These videos are such a great treat. 💛

I love this form of teaching, especially in RU-vid videos where you're giving out a bunch of facts at once. You not only did your research, but you share it in such a way that it almost comes off as gossip or you telling a story of your own. This is such a fun video and I hope you keep up the hard work.

I love this famous masterpiece! Whoever this girl was, she had a beautiful face and my impression is that she's a bit surprised and wants to ask something. This painting is really captivating and mesmerizing, I could watch it for hours. The book you mentioned and the movie starring Scarlett Johansson and Colin Firth is brilliant, it's one of my favourites. I find that story believable. (And yes, as I see it, for some reason pearls are really special, I understand why Vermeer liked pearls so much...). Thank you for your interesting videos, they are precious!

I've had the good fortune to have seen this painting in person in The Hague, late 1980's. The way they position the painting was in a small corridor and you would only see her after turning a corner. And upon doing so I said "oh, excuse me" as if she were a real person and I had startled her. This is the most fascinating experience I have had in any Art Gallery. BTW I also wonder if Vermeer used the same model in "The Concert" and perhaps a few other paintings.

It's as if we're looking through the eyes of a man in love. When I first saw this painting I thought "oh she's so pretty, like a doll." Now, I realize that she's looking directly at us. She is turned in such a way that it doesn't exactly look like she's just looking over because I am distracting her. She has glowing skin and beautifully deep eyes. Her lips seem emphasized due to how pink and shiny they are. Everything that we aren't required to see isn't given any kind of glow or real texture. She's staring at me like she is in love with me. Perhaps she's trying to show me something pretty out of the window - hence the curtain - that she's excited about. She wears a headband so I can see her full face and she can see mine. This painting makes me feel at ease and gives me a warm feeling. I love it.

Just because he (may have) had a camera obscura, doesn't mean a thing - if he wasn't a master painter, no amount of 'optical' aid would change his skill with the paintbrush! ANYone, can trace, but that doesn't make them a painter, let alone an artist. Thank-you for another, wonderful, episode 🙏🏻 💜

Your sense of humour is witty and appreciated

She is breathtaking. Women will always be my favorite art subjects as their beauty is unmatched, inside and out.

I have always appreciated art but ever since I discovered channels like yours I’ve grown more and more obsessed with fine arts and their creators but I have to say that you really have something different, something special that you bring to the table that I really appreciate! It’s insane how deep you can get into a painting in just 10 minutes!

Thank you for this video. This has come to be my favorite painting and I always enjoy hearing it analyzed.

Using a camera obscura is brilliant and only added to the artistry. To understand focus and replicate it on canvas is incredible.

I would love to see a rendering of what it originally looked like, with the curtains and everything they’ve found evidence of being restored

I love how the old masters ground and made their own paints. An art in itself.

Your comedic talent and the thorough historical research on the subject make your work priceless. and moist

love how you pack so many interesting questions and information into your videos -- without losing the light and interesting way you deliver it! Thank you.

I love this channel! I have recently found this channel and I just really enjoy your whole editing structure! From the educational aspect and editing skills to the comedic inserts and viewer engagement questions, it’s a perfect balance!! Such an unique channel!!! Keep up the good work Art Deco!😊👍🏻

I have a copy hanging in my living-room. I got a beautiful brass frame for it. She’s so enchanting and absolutely stunning. I too find myself staring at her for moments on end. The mystery behind this definitely makes it all the more intriguing. And I had no idea the Pearl was just there. No hook to her earlobe. So interesting!

I love the narration on this channel. So well informed yet explaining the significance of the details in ways even non art experts can understand and appreciate. Also, the humor injected throughout is awesome. I love whoever writes these. Kudos to this channel! I’m new to it and am enjoying seeing the posts. ❤

I love these paintings! The girl with the pearl earring has been a favorite of mine for years. Thank you for sharing your research!!

This painting has always been a favourite of mine. Indeed, just like you, I can't stop myself just staring at her, and admiring her humble beauty. Thank you for this essay, it answered a few questions, and allowed me to accept that I'll never know the truth about who she was, and why did Vermeer paint her with so much care.

Listen. I could use a camera obscura all day long, I still couldn't paint a cat. The man created a sublime body of work. It's a good job this particular painting was protected by glass. 😡

This is ever one of my favorite paintings ever - thanks for posting her.

I never was all that interested in art but the way you present your insight has brought an awareness of the humanity behind each work. I find myself enthralled.

I absolutely adore this painting! It's so beautiful and captivating. Everything from the girl's expression to the intricate details in the clothing and background is stunning. I'm so thankful to Art Deco for giving such an informative and interesting explanation about the painting. It really made me appreciate the arts even more!

This painting is even more beautiful in person. She is luminous. I cannot even imagine how great it would have been when new.

It's all the questions that make this painting so intriguing. If we ever get answers to the questions it would be just another, albeit still very nice, painting.

The girl with the pearl earring is stunning. This is by far my favorite painting of all. So much so that we have a picture of the painting hanging on our office wall. Thanks for your informative video. Bravo!

I love this channel and all the wonderful artwork. Your comments are funny and spot on. Vermeer is my favorite painter and I love to stare at his work and find something new everytime I see them. Thank you for showing me things I have missed in these paintings by so many great artists. It's a great channel!!

I never had much interest at all in art history like this until I stumbled across this channel. i love your videos and watch every single one of them ❤ thank you for your hard work and pls continue to enlighten me about art bc god knows idk anything about it myself lol.

Genius work of art, and so much to see in Vermeer. Thank you for making this video, its a delight - I feel very fortunate to live today, where I can learn whatever I want for free online. Vermeer would have put this technology to use for sure!

Thank you for these videos! They are sooooo entertaining, and I can see that you've built a style that suits you very well! Keep them coming! I love to hear the history behind all of these pieces, and your opinion on certain aspects thereof.

Dude, you are criminally underrated. Your content is amazing! Keep up the good work!

I must say I truly enjoy these narratives about different artists and their paintings. The narrator is very effective and amusing at the same, and the information is informative. I have seen the movie that was mentioned and enjoyed it. I am glad that the story about the girl and the pearl is still a mystery. I am steadily watching all of your videos, good work!

i am so impressed with your channel. im not someone who really understands art (in the form of paintings anyways) but listening to you tell the story, or your perspective of the story has been captivating. im binging them all. thanks.

he's definitely captured a moment here. i love how he infers shapes through highlights! his paintings are beautiful.

Your presentations are glorious.Thank you.

Love the mix of information and fun in your videos, thank you so much

good timing of the video on this one, with the climate protest that happend at the museum where she is on display! Mauritshuis in The Hague, The Netherlands btw (for the currious people). As I live here, I have been to see her quite a lot. you making a video about her, in the style that you make them , actually reminds me what a privelige that actually is! Thank you!

You should watch Tim's Vermeer! They hypothesize a mirror was used to paint and their example/evidence is very compelling. Doesn't take away from the beauty for me!

As someone else commented, thank you so much for all the research and hard work you put into your videos. The editing is fantastic and your commentary is engaging. Love your channel!

I always look forward to your videos. You take a different stance on art critique. I love it. Thank you for sharing.

LOVELOVELOVE your channel! Thanks so much for sharing💖

love your videos

Thank you! Such a wonderful job!

Using. A device doesn’t make him less of an artist. It allows him to focus on composition, color, texture, light and shadow. He still has to render shapes in a compelling way. His mastery of the medium makes him my favorite artist.

I have waited for you to say something about this painting!! 😍😍 Finally! I've seen many thumbnails from other channels talking about this painting, but never bothered to click the videos because i only waited for you to talk about it. Your videos gives me so much joy.

Most amazing video production! Thank you. I am an artist of over 50 yrs and i now use a data projector to help me get the subject matter in place. It doesn't matter what we do to aid us in making art it is the finished artwork that counts.

This is amazing information. Thank you!

My favourite painting. Love your channel! ❤

My favorite painting of all time!! (Can you tell by my profile photo lol) so happy you covered this!!!!

Thank you for these fascinating and informative videos and thank you for your beautiful, clear diction. I am hard of hearing and the clarity and precision of your narration adds greatly to my enjoyment of these incredible paintings.

I love your videos! I always learn something, thank you so much for this amazing videos

Fascinating as always.

Mesmerising picture, i have loved it for a long time, and i didnt know about the curtain behind her, thanks for your video.

Wow. Nice work with the “tronie” knowledge. ❤️ Somebody else did a less than decent job with this painting a few days ago. Thank you for doing a good one. I feel Vermeer was definitely working with the fashion at the time. His ideal 17th-century Dutch young woman Plucked eyebrows and hairline, porcelain (close to glass) skin, as well as giant baroque pearls. I agree, the pearl was probably not there, but it was in his imagination.

The more I look at her, the more I like the painting, it is a truly captivating work of art.

Your brilliancy... and your humour!!! Thank you!

I was very lucky and I was able to see this painting in person. It is a very small painting but size doesn't matter because it is still a stunning piece of art!

I really enjoy your takes on art, which never fail to teach me something and make me laugh.

I really really really enjoy this channel please keep making these videos 🙌🏽

It's the pearl that always caught my attention. Stunning painting, great video thank you. *moist* 😄

Great post! I love your channel...thank you for your great content!

I went to Amsterdam a couple months ago and got to see some of his paintings in person. Absolutely stunning. The detail in them is unbelievable.

I never thought it looked like a pearl. It looks silver metallic to me. Also, he is a master of textiles; fabric, rugs, curtains, lace are perfect.

I’ve seen this painting in person! I’m like you! I stood in front of this painting for 2.5 hours just staring at every part of this stunning painting! Johannes Vermeer was an astounding artist! It doesn’t matter if he used a machine to help him paint his master pieces! He still had extraordinary talent! I would love to know more about him and the girl! This painting is magnificent and in my opinion I don’t think the Mona Lisa is as stunning as The Girl with the pearl earring! P.S. If you ever find out more about Vemeer or the girl, I hope you’ll put it on your channel. You put out some awesome content!

I love your choice of subjects!

She was just a model, I guess Idk. I love that painting. I remember that one in art school. Thank you so much. Watching your videos brings me back to the eighties when I had to memorize these plates in art school. Good times ❤

I love your voice and your editing and information! More please!

Vermeer was certainly an INCREDIBLE ARTIST!!!! Even if he did use a "Camera Obscura," it doesn't make him any less of an Artist!!!! I remember studying this Piece in College. We had similar questions. You did a GREAT JOB in studying this!!!! Thank-You!!!!

The camera obscured merely sets the proportion, perspective and lighting. The skill is making all those elements look realistic. If I had an ounce of his talent I would be ecstatic.

Was waiting for your update 😊 Love you videos ❤️

I press the like button the instant I click any of your videos. Another wonderful video.

I agree, I think it makes him resourceful. I have drawn and painted completely free-hand, with a grid, with help of a projector, etc. I would argue that all of my work is as intended and I had been accused of using methods of help when I had not. Perhaps more recent work is slightly “better” due to experience. The major difference only between these approaches is really just the time required to sketch.

Great video. Vermeer was brilliant, my favorite.

Awesome videos ! I'm learning so much

womderful insights. thank you so much.

This is a trip. I have never cared about art, even when I took some classes in college. But somehow, this channel has awakened an interest in me and now I want to own a few pieces myself (replicas of course) Thank you!

Awesome video 👌 one of my favorite paintings!

i KNEW you were gonna make a video of this painting 😤 i literally tried to sketch and recreated this painting

This is my favorite painting of all time even before knowing these details. No painting made me feel something as much this painting had.

Creo que es su expresión la que cautiva a las personas. Como el artista logró capturar el instante del momento, la espontaneidad. Cuando era práctica común posar por horas o días, su rostro parece estar vivo, el instante capturado en el tiempo. Su manera de mirar y como si estuviera a punto de decir algo y justo ahí, como si fuese con una cámara, Vermeer congeló su rostro pero lo plasmó en lienzo. Es como si en cualquier momento pudiera hablar o moverse. Sin lugar a dudas, este retrato es una obra maestra. (Y la idea de que fuera un estudio o ensayo y no una modelo real, lo hace aún más fasciante, como pudo plasmar algo tan real solo de su imaginación).

His painting talent is what matters, who cares if he traced the outlines? Anyone could do that, but very few could make a masterpiece out of it.