THE GIRL WITH THE PEARL EARRING Jordan Clements Period 4

WHAT STANDS OUT THE MOST WHEN YOU FIRST SEE IT? The first thing to stand out in this painting, “The Girl with the Pearl Earring,” is the high contrast between all of the elements of the girl and the dark background. Another element, is the dramatic cool colors used to bring the girl to life and make her stand out.

EXPLAIN THE REASON THAT YOU NOTICE WHAT YOU MENTIONED IN NUMBER ONE The reason I mentioned this strong contrast and dark analogous color scheme is because the difference of the colors really adds a dramatic effect that catches your eye.

AS YOU CONTINUE TO LOOK AT THE WORK, WHAT ELSE SEEMS IMPORTANT? An element that seems to be standing out is her slightly parted lips, as well as Another element that seems important is the pearl earring that is glinting from beneath her earlobe.

WHY DOES WHAT YOU MENTIONED IN NUMBER THREE SEEM IMPORTANT? The reason the lips seem important is because it provides a sense of longing. The reason the pearl earring seems important is not rocket science, as it is mentioned in the title– therefore, it should be considered an important element. The importance is that both the pearl and the turban on the girls head represent chastity and innocence.

WHAT IS THE MOST ORIGINAL OR CREATIVE THING YOU SEE? The most original and/or creative thing I see in this painting is the technique.

HOW WOULD YOU GUESS THE THING MENTIONED IN NUMBER FIVE HAPPENED OR HOW WOULD YOU EXPLAIN IT? I guess that the technique was either discovered by accident, as in the paint probably dried and gave off that crackling effect by age, or she decided to add some definition to the girl and used a sponge and different brushes.

HOW DOES THIS COMPOSITION MAKE YOU FEEL? This composition makes me feel very intrigued and solemn, also providing a sense of longing and isolation.

WHY DOES THE COMPOSITION MAKE YOU FEEL THE WAY YOU MENTIONED IN NUMBER SEVEN This composition emits a sense of loneliness and confusion because of the solemn look in the model’s wide eyes. Her clothes and her turban provide the sense of isolation because thy are hiding her features from the viewers. Her expression provides a sense of longing for something, or someone. These are called ‘Meta-Emotions.”

WHAT SEEMS TO BE HIDING IN THIS COMPOSITION? In this composition, there is nothing visually hiding. There is no hidden element. But, emotionally wise, there are hidden feelings in the composition, hiding in the girl’s eyes and the dark nothingness that is the background.

WHY DO YOU THINK THIS ELEMENT WAS PARTIALLY HIDDEN? These emotions were hidden in this painting, most likely for the painter’s way of expressing himself and releasing his sadness.

WHAT TITLES COULD YOU GIVE THIS ARTWORK? This artwork could have the title, “solemn posterities,” given that there was gossip about the model being the painter’s daughter.

WHAT FEELINGS AND MEANINGS DO YOU THINK THIS ARTWORK REPRESENTS? The blue and yellowish turban, which was popular in Europe for young girls to use to cover their ears so that they would not be exposed to unclean words. They could only hear chaste words, which were the “oriental pearls of the gospel,” this little phrase in which inspired De Sales to paint this girl.

WHAT OTHER THINGS INTEREST YOU ABOUT THIS ARTWORK? The context of this painting for sure. He provided a sense of innocence, as well as somberness.