Continuity mistake: When Vermeer picks out earrings for his wife to wear, he selects two pearl earrings (same one later found on Griet). When he hands them to his wife, he gives them both to her, however when you look at Vermeer in the next shot he is holding one of the earrings.
Continuity mistake: When Greet is introduced to the camera obscura the props of a finished painting are present in the room instead of the props for the painting shown via the camera obscura.
Continuity mistake: Van Ruijven grabs Griet and makes her drop the plates she is holding. She bends down and picks up a broken piece of crockery and an unbroken plate. In the next shot, the plates she is holding are both unbroken. (00:58:00)
Answer: As with most paintings, there are undoubtedly different interpretations - everyone has their own views. In the movie, Vermeer's wife felt that it was obscene - that's her interpretation. A number of art critics have commented on a 'subtle eroticism' in the painting, and this may be what is being alluded to, using Catherina to carry the message across. It's worth pointing out that a number of Vermeer experts have disagreed quite vehemently with the portrayal of Catherina in the film - surviving historical evidence would seem to indicate that Vermeer's marriage was a happy one.
Tailkinker ★