The Nail and the Pearl
A classical icon, reimagined — built from 1,290 individually placed black steel nails on white acrylic glass.
Inspired by Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, this portrait is created entirely without paint or print. From a distance, her silhouette is instantly recognizable — graceful, poised. But step closer, and the image dissolves into a hypnotic field of texture, shadow, and rhythm. It is not drawn, but constructed — a meditation in metal, patience, and precision.
Mounted on matte white acrylic glass and framed in a matte black wooden float frame, The Nail and the Pearl fuses classical elegance with sculptural minimalism. A timeless work — delicate in subject, powerful in form.
Each piece in this limited edition of 5 is handcrafted and slightly unique, offering subtle variations within the same artistic vision.
Details
• Title: The Nail and the Pearl
• Edition: Limited to 5 pieces
• Medium: 1,290 black hardened steel nails
• Background: Matte white acrylic glass
• Frame: Matte black wooden float frame (ready to hang)
• Year: 2025
• Signed on the reverse
• Certificate of Authenticity included (digital version available upon request)
• Dimensions: 52 × 52 (including frame)
From the Art with Nails series by TD Fine Art Studio
See behind-the-scenes or follow the process on Instagram
