Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring” created around 1665 CE, has been interpreted as portraying a young woman in an attire with exotic influences, potentially inspired by Ottoman court fashion. The blue turban and lemon-yellow veil-like cloth cascade from the top to the shoulders, presenting an exotic Ottoman attire from the Dutch perspective. Particularly captivating element of the painting is the substantial waterdrop-shaped pearl hanging from her ear. The segment of the pearl glistens with a golden hue, creating a vivid contrast against the shaded area of her neck. During that era, Oman and Ras Al Khaima in UAE were prominent pearl producers in the Middle East, catering to Europe’s demand for these exquisite gems.
“A ghost upon the sands of the sea, so weak-so quiet, -so bereft of all but her loveliness, that we might well doubt, as we watched her faint reflection in the mirage of the lagoon, which was the City, and which the Shadow”. John Ruskin,
and he adds “Venice contains the three elements in equal Roman, Lombard and Arabs”.
John Ruskin 1885,
Stones of Venice, p15
