The Renaissance is defined by a time in the sixteenth century when intellect was governed by reason. The shift from the natural sciences to a more humanistic view of the world enabled this progress. Enlightened thinkers and patrons of the arts challenged the notion of knowledge based on religion, and Medieval education was criticized for being based on Aristotelian techniques and Christian theology. Renaissance thinkers placed an emphasis on nature and the material world, as well as individualism. Although the Renaissance first took shape in Italy at the end of the 13th century, the Northern nations of Europe eventually followed in the Mediterranean's foot steps. The film Girl with the Pearl Earring provides great insight into the world of the Northern Renaissance as it addresses the attitudes of both the upper and lower classes, as well religion, and the important techniques used in artistry.
The film begins with young Griet being sent away from her Protestant Family to work for as a maid. Her mother states that they have no other choice, because the family needs more income. The Catholic Family Griet works for is home to the famous painter Johannes Veermer. From the very beginning the viewer glimpses real life for a Dutch peasant in the 15th century. Griet is disheartened to leave, but understands she must help her family.
Throughout the entire film Greit moves and speaks quietly, as if her opinions and thoughts are not worthy. Her mistress, however, is outspoken, but also struggling. Evident through the entire movie is the hardships that women faced during this period. Griet must work as a maid, the mistress is under the control of her mother and husband, and the mother is dependent upon her son. Clearly, women had no power and were forced to rely on their male family members.
Moreover, the clothing of all the characters provides insight into the attitudes of the Northern Renaissance as well. While the colors in the film may not have been as vibrant as then as they are today, there was certainly an emphasis on the material world and fashion during the Renaissance. The wealthier classes, of course, were able to indulge in these notions.
While the majority of the film was not concerned with religions notions, one brief scene resonates in my mind. When Greit is leaving her home, her mother warns her to cover her ears if the Catholic family begins to pray. Clearly, Protestantism is already widely accepted in this area, as is the conflict between religions. When considering the Renaissance one often notes the religious wars in England, and issues with the Pope; and it is often thought that the North and HRE lived in harmony. Greit is also ashamed when she sees someone she knows (a love interest) while attending Protestant service. Perhaps she is ashamed because of her meek character and wishes to remain a mystery. It must be noted, however, that the boy was also of a lower class and perhaps Protestantism denoted a lower place in society. Is this because the Catholics could pay for indulgences? The unjust nature of the Catholic religion that Luther amiably touches on does recognize that one shouldn't be able to buy their way into heaven, and of course it was more of a logical theory than an economic one.
Finally, the entire movie is set around the portrait Girl with a Pearl Earring. Viewers see how Johannes Veerner worked and lived. His use of light and color are an important aspect of the film. Greit mixes oil paints (which characterize Renaissance material) and understands the theory of light.
The most important aspect of this movie is that art and culture can cross economic boundries. The mistress gets wildly upset because her husband is better understood by Griet than herself. While Greit will never have an easy life, she can clearly appreciate art in the same was as a person with economic wealth.
