In order to support her family, seventeen-year-old Griet becomes a maid in the house of Johannes Vermeer and soon attracts the master painter's attention. Although worlds apart in upbringing and social standing, Vermeer recognises her intuitive understanding of his work and slowly draws her into his mysterious world of art and passion.
Whilst she falls increasingly under Vermeer's spell, his volatile family quickly grow jealous of her. Maria, his shrewd mother-in-law, struggles to maintain the family's lavish lifestyle, and seeing that Griet inspires Vermeer, takes the decision to let their relationship develop. Van Ruijven, also sensing the intimacy between master and maid, commissions Vermeer to paint Griet's portrait.
Adapted from a work of fiction by author Tracy Chevalier, the story suggests the events surrounding the creation of the painting Girl with a Pearl Earring by the 17th century Dutch master Johannes Vermeer. Little is known about the girl in the painting, but it is speculated that she was a maid who lived in the house of the painter along with his family and other servants.
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