THE HAGUE.- The Mauritshuis in The Hague is once again awash in creative interpretations of Vermeer's iconic "Girl with a Pearl Earring." Following a second open call, the museum has received a staggering 2,700 new submissions, proving that this timeless masterpiece continues to inspire artists and art lovers around the world.


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"We are absolutely thrilled," says Martine Gosselink, director of the Mauritshuis. "Not only by the sheer number of entries, but especially by their incredible quality. It's clear that our 'Girl' resonates deeply and remains a global muse."

The submissions are remarkably diverse, showcasing the ingenuity and imagination of participants. From a beautifully rendered painting of a wayang puppet to a playful rendering of the Girl as a felt mouse, the interpretations span a wide range of mediums and styles. There are photos, short videos, AI-generated art, jewelry, children's drawings, and even a plate of fruit inspired by the masterpiece. The jury faced a tough challenge selecting just a handful of works, ultimately choosing a mix that is beautiful, surprising, funny, and undeniably original.

Sixty of these creative "Girls" will be on display in the Mauritshuis foyer starting February 25th. Adding a unique touch, the display will feature 3D-printed frames, exact replicas of the original frame that houses Vermeer's masterpiece.

This second open call was inspired by the #mygirlwithapearl – The Immersive Edition, an exhibition at the Fabrique des Lumières in Amsterdam, powered by Nationale-Nederlanden. "This co-production allowed us to pay tribute to our 'Girl' and encourage people to find their own inspiration in her," explains Gosselink. The Mauritshuis also extended the call through their own social media channels, further amplifying the reach of the project.

This isn't the first time the Mauritshuis has invited the public to reimagine the "Girl with a Pearl Earring." In 2023, when the painting temporarily moved to the Rijksmuseum for a major Vermeer exhibition, the museum launched its first call for interpretations. The overwhelming response and the continued stream of creative submissions on Instagram (@mygirlwithapearl) sparked the idea for this second initiative, culminating in the immersive experience at the Fabrique des Lumières and this new exhibition at the Mauritshuis. It's a testament to the enduring power of Vermeer's masterpiece and its ability to capture the imagination of generations.



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