However, there is no factual evidence behind this theory. It seemed to have formulated due to the fictionalization of Tracy Chevalier's novel, Girl with a Pearl Earring. It didn't help that there was also a movie featuring Scarlett Johansson fueling more people to believe this theory. Unfortunately, just like most world-renowned masterpieces, the Girl with a Pearl Earring is almost a complete mystery. Throughout Europe, the Baroque was an art movement that was spreading rapidly. During this period, the Dutch was quite different compared to the other countries. Rather than being Catholic, the people of the Dutch Republic were Protestant. It was rare to have religious art in the northern Netherlands. Dutch art during the Baroque period focused more on genre scenes, portraits, still life, and landscapes. The Girl with a Pearl Earring was no exception to this. Vermeer mainly painted domestic interior scenes featuring women performing every day actions and portraits. Rather than being dramatic and loud like Italian, Spanish, and Flemish Baroque art, Dutch Baroque art was much more quieter and calm.
The Girl with a Pearl Earring was created in 1665 in Delft, a city that Vermeer was born in and spent a majority of his life there. At the time, in the 17th century, rather than all the art being made for the upper class, Dutch baroque art was largely intended for the middle class because that was the majority of the population. The art aimed towards the middle class reflected what the Dutch was known for: their tulips, high quality fabrics, etc. During the 17th century, the Dutch Republic was considered the booming nation of Europe with its excellent progress in European trade, art, and science. This period was known as the Dutch Golden Age. The art that was made during this time period reflected what was happening around them and their achievements. The Dutch economy was greatly expanding and the wealthy middle class was rising even more; dominating the society.