Those eyes are fixed on someone. But who? What is she thinking as she stares out from one of the world's best-loved paintings?

Johannes Vermeer can spot exceptional beauty. When servant girl Griet catches his eye, she soon becomes both student and muse. But then he gives her his wife's pearl earrings to wear for a portrait, and a scandal erupts that could threaten Griet's future.

Vivid, captivating and much emulated, Girl with a Pearl Earring is a timeless modern classic and an international bestseller, now with a new introduction by the author.