Why is Girl with a Pearl Earring Vermeer’s best-loved painting? It must have something to do with the fact that the girl looks over her shoulder, as though hoping to see who is standing behind her. Equally important, though, is the subtle rendering of light effects. The pearl is very special, consisting of little more than two brushstrokes. Then there is the girl herself, wide-eyed, her lips slightly parted. She makes an uninhibited, somewhat expectant impression that excites our interest, even though we have no idea who she is.

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Analyze the text and the pictures above and choose the correct answer.