Part of an ongoing series, this documentary will inspire and impress art enthusiasts globally.
In EXHIBITION ON SCREEN: GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING, and other treasures from the Mauritshuis in The Hague, the camera offers an exclusive view of the world-renowned Mauritshuis Museum, going behind-the-scenes to look at Vermeer’s extraordinary painting as well as many other popular works.
Vermeer was a master of light, a talent that is exquisitely seen in his most famous painting. There is the softness of the girl’s face, the glimmers of light that touch her lips, and of course the shining pearl…
Much use is made at times of extreme close up so we can see the cracks and fissures on the various paintings. At times the paintings are filmed lovingly in slow-mo panning so you can observe every tiny detail and brushstroke, and the beauty and simplicity of the clever composition.
We follow the painting from its unwrapping upon return from its major world tour to hanging and installation in the newly reopened Museum.
Subjects discussed include the identity of the elusive young woman in the painting, as well as Vermeer’s motivations behind the creation of his much loved work.
Using the recently completed and extremely complex makeover of the museum as its starting point, the film also takes other masterpieces housed in the collection and put them in context.
These masterpieces include works such as The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp by Rembrandt, The Goldfinch by Fabritius, The Bull by Potter, As The Old Sing So Pipe the Young by Jan Steen , and various works by Rembrandt.
The documentary has been narrated by acclaimed British actor Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey, Notting Hill) in hushed , eloquent tones.
Some letters by Vermeer are read as well Interviews with Dr Emilie E S Gordensker and Quentin Buvelot (the head of the Museum and the exhibition’s curator).
Running time 90 mins ( approx) no interval
GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRINGS is showing at selected cinemas including the Cremorne Orpheum until March 8th March.