Girl With a Pearl Earring

My two loves are art and LEGO - I love the challenge of transforming a great work of art into something people can build and love having in their home. 

Girl with a Pearl Earring (also known as the ‘Mona Lisa of the North’) by Johannes Vermeer is one of the most famous and iconic portraits in history, known for its soft lighting, striking contrast, and enigmatic expression.

Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) was a Dutch Baroque painter known for his exquisite use of light and portrayal of everyday moments. Girl with a Pearl Earring is one of his most iconic works, featuring a young girl in an enigmatic pose. The striking contrast between her simple attire and the luminous pearl earring draws the viewer’s attention, while her mysterious gaze invites countless interpretations. This masterpiece has captivated art lovers for centuries, securing Vermeer’s legacy as one of the great masters of portraiture.

One of the biggest challenges was replicating the delicate shading and smooth transitions of color in Vermeer’s work. The beautifully shaded head wear and delicate lips were particularly tricky.

The build is just over 1200 pieces and about 60x60 cm (24 x24 inches) - just a little bigger than the original. 

This project is a tribute to both Vermeer’s artistry and the versatility of Lego as a medium. I hope it inspires art lovers and Lego fans alike to see the beauty in combining classic and modern creativity.