New research links world famous painting to Derbyshire's Peak District

Scientific research about Johannes Vermeer's ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ has unearthed discoveries about the brushwork, the use of pigments, and how he 'built up' his painting in different layers.

Following an introduction by museum director Martine Gosselink, three researchers involved in the project presented their findings online this month.

They revealed that the earring has no discernible hook and the lead white pigment used to create the world-famous earring was mined from the Peak District. Lead white was also used in other significant areas of the painting including her face and collar.

They also found that the girl was originally painted before a green curtain in the righthand side of the painting, which dramatically changes the black void she appears in now.

Vermeer’s signature can be discerned in the top left hand corner of the painting.

Fine hairs from Vermeer’s brushes have been discovered embedded in the painting on the girl’s face.

Visit www.mauritshuis.nl/en/girlinthespotlight for full information,the blog that Abbie Vandivere wrote for the research, and scientific articles that go deeper into the research and findings.