Beauty is skin deep: the skin tones of Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring

摘要: The soft modelling of the skin tones in Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring (Mauritshuis) has been remarked upon by art historians, and is their main argument to date this painting c. 1665. This paper describes materials techniques Vermeer used accomplish smooth flesh facial features Girl, which were investigated as part 2018 Spotlight research project. It combines macroscopic X-ray fluorescence imaging (MA-XRF), reflectance spectroscopy (RIS), 3D digital microscopy. built up face, beginning distinct areas light dark. He then smoothly blended final layers create almost seamless transitions. combination advanced highlighted that contour around her face leaving ‘gap’ between background skin. also revealed details otherwise not visible naked eye, such eyelashes. Macroscopic was complemented study paint cross-sections using: microscopy, SEM–EDX, FIB-STEM, synchrotron radiation µ-XRPD FTIR–ATR. intentionally different qualities or grades lead white paints, showing hydrocerussite/cerussite ratios particle sizes. Lead isotope analysis showed geographic source lead, from types manufactured, same: region Peak District Derbyshire, UK. Finally, cross-section identified formation new species paints: soaps palmierite (K2Pb(SO4)2), associated red lake.