More precious than pearls: Searching for the Girl

The Girl’s face is so widely familiar—no need to be a loyal patron of museums or dedicated fan of historical paintings. Many eyes are drawn to her impossibly large pearl, but perhaps she is the true treasure for the Dutch cultural identity. The Girl is a story in cultural translation and appropriation in two critical moments of the formation of Dutch identity. So join me in asking, “who really is the Girl with pearl earring?”