Image: public domain, courtesy of Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Girl with the Red Hat

Johannes Vermeer, c. 1669

This is one of Vermeer's smallest paintings, barely larger than a book page, and it is painted on wood, not canvas. Look for her pearl earring and the two carved lion heads on her chair.

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Did you know?

X-ray images revealed a portrait of a man in a wide-brimmed hat hidden underneath the girl.
Look at the tapestry behind her: Vermeer's monogram IVM appears at the top centre.
Look for tiny white dots of light on her nose, lips and earrings that make the picture sparkle.
Her wide red hat casts a soft shadow over her eyes, while her white collar brightens her face.
A French baron bought it in Paris in 1822 for 200 francs; his family said he spotted it in a shop window.
Some experts once doubted it was by Vermeer, but a 2022 study at the National Gallery confirmed it is his.

About the artist

Johannes Vermeer (1632–1675) was born in Delft and spent his whole life in that Dutch town.

He is famous for quiet, light-filled interiors such as The Milkmaid and Girl with a Pearl Earring, and only about 35 of his paintings are known today.

He worked slowly and lovingly on each picture, and at home he and his wife Catharina had a big, lively family of eleven children.

Johannes Vermeer ›

Where it is today: Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington · Museum page