What was the painting originally called in Dutch?

The painting was originally called *Meisje met de parel* in Dutch.

The Dutch title translates literally as “Girl with the Pearl.” The English title adds “Earring,” making the subject clearer to modern audiences, but the Dutch wording itself refers to the pearl rather than explicitly naming an earring. The work is by Johannes Vermeer and is generally dated to about 1665.

Titles associated with the painting have changed over time. It was once known as *Girl with a Turban*, reflecting the exotic head covering, and its present international title became established only much later. The painting is not considered a conventional portrait with a documented sitter; it is usually classified as a *tronie*, a Dutch study of a head or character in unusual costume and expression.

That distinction explains why names such as “Portrait with Pearl” or “Woman with Pearl” are misleading. The established Dutch title uses *meisje*, meaning “girl,” and *parel*, meaning “pearl.” The girl’s identity remains unknown, adding to the work’s enduring mystery.