Instructions

Write a critique on this painting by Johannes Vermeer in 1665 titled "Girl with a
Pearl Earring" based on the concept of aesthetics and the divisions of aesthetics.

How do you perceive the painting?

For me, this artwork is elegant and charming because the woman in the painting is impressive
and attracts the viewers' attention. Her facial expression shows purity and innocence, her eye
contact with the viewer draws the attention of the viewers. The black background adds mystery
to the personality of the woman in this artwork.
Do you think it's beautiful? Why or why not?
Yes, for me this artwork is beautiful because it looks elegant and simple yet meaningful. The
colors that were used in the artwork compliments each other so it doesn’t look like a messy
artwork. The black background highlights the women in the artwork, and it gives a light shadow
effect that adds to its beauty. Because of the plain black background, the focus of the person
who is looking at this art will exclusively be at the women in the picture.
Is the painting, art? Why or why not?
For me yes, it is an art because it represents something that is beautiful and meaningful. It is an elegant
artwork that shows aesthetic elements which are the colors that complement each other, and the light
shadow effect. It represents purity and innocence that will draw the attention of the viewer.
Is this art great? Why or why not?
For me yes, this artwork is great because this artwork symbolizes many things for me, which are
purity, innocence, and mystery. For me, her facial expression and her earrings show innocence
and purity, in contrast to that to that is the black background of the artwork which shows
mystery. The usage of the color and the simplicity of the art is what makes it a great art for me.