The string of pearls 2.0 by Nop Briex

About "The string of pearls 2.0"

by Nop Briex

About the artwork

Woman with String of Pearls is a 1662-1665 painting by the Delft painter Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675). It is in the possession of the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin.

Johannes Vermeer's fascination with pearls is also evident in this work. Like no one else, he knew how to capture the soft luster of these jewels on canvas. Iconographically, pearls can be interpreted in various ways. On the one hand, the precious jewels are associated with vanity and worldly desires; on the other hand, because of their immaculate luster, they symbolize faith, purity and virginity. The mirror on the wall also has opposite meanings: pride but also truth and self-knowledge. Vermeer leaves the viewer in the dark about his intentions, but the serene expression on the woman's face and the incoming light do give the painting a positive aura.

The woman in the painting is possibly Vermeer's wife Catherine. The inventory list of his possessions from 1676 also lists Eene gele zatijne mantel met witte bonte kant. This coat can be seen in five other paintings by Vermeer.

X-rays have shown that a map of the Seven Provinces was originally painted on the wall behind the woman. Apparently, Vermeer had come to the conclusion while painting that he did not need such a binder for his composition. Instead, Vermeer painted a bare, plastered wall, possibly inspired by his example Carel Fabritius (1622-1654).

A contemporary adaptation with paint by Nop Briex in homage to Vermeer. A beautiful work, completely up to date.