Catharina: Is it true she wore my pearls? How could you? How could you?
Griet's Mother: Stay clear of their Catholic prayers. Or if you must be with them when they pray, stop your ears.
Van Ruijven: Griet, come here. What were you doing today? I missed you. We both did. I hear you've been of great use to your master, pretty Griet. All that grinding and stirring, eh? Master and maid. Its a tune we all know. And you can practice together, now.
Maria Thins: He's no fool, mind you. And he won't be taken for one. So, don't think otherwise.
Pieter: Don't get caught up in his world.
Griet: I may only be a maid, but I would never give in to Master Van Ruijven.
Pieter: I wasn't talking about Van Ruijven.
Van Ruijven: You have very wide eyes.
Maria Thins: You're not the first to forget your manners in front of his paintings. Tell me girl, do you think it finished? Three months. Another three before he's satisfied, no doubt. Well, get along girl. You're not paid to stand gawking all day.
Vermeer: Look at me. Now, turn your head. Not your shoulders. Look at me. There. That's it.
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 ★