A luminous and timeless portrait inspired by Vermeer’s masterpiece, reimagined through pure structure and light.
No paint, no print, no ink. Her gaze emerges from darkness, formed entirely by reflections of solid brass on matte black acrylic glass. From afar her presence feels calm and eternal. Up close the work dissolves into pure abstraction, each nail a point of light shaping the illusion of form and depth.
Solid brass meets silence, a union of warmth and restraint. The golden tones echo the subtle glow of Vermeer’s original painting, yet here the figure is sculpted from shadow and reflection alone. The result is both intimate and modern, an encounter between the past and the present.
Over time the brass may develop a natural patina, giving each work a living surface that evolves and gains quiet character with the years.
As light shifts the portrait transforms. From the side it becomes sculptural and dimensional. From the front her gaze returns, gentle, mysterious, eternal.
This piece is part of the second collection of Art with Nails by Tijs Dragtsma, realized in a strictly limited edition of ten. Each artwork is slightly unique but always part of the same vision.
Framed in a handmade Dutch float frame in matte black wood with a brushed gold edge, signed and numbered on the reverse, this work stands as both homage and reinterpretation. A contemporary tribute to one of the most beloved images in art history.
About the Artist, Tijs Dragtsma
Part of the Art with Nails series by Tijs Dragtsma, this work is created with a self-developed technique that transforms classic nail art into a bold modern context. By focusing on pure materials and the interplay of strength and fragility, Dragtsma reimagines timeless icons with powerful presence.
Specifications Title: Girl with a Pearl Earring in Brass Collection: Second Collection of Art with Nails, Brass Edition 2025 Edition: Limited to 10 pieces. Medium: Solid brass nails Background: Matte black acrylic glass Frame: Handmade Dutch float frame in matte black wood with brushed gold edge, ready to hang Year: 2025 Condition: New, signed Includes: Certificate of Authenticity (COA) Dimensions (incl. frame): 53 × 53 × 4 cm
