Also made into a movie- have not seen it...so can't recommend it...."The unknown subject of a Vermeer masterpiece is the basis for this remarkably evocative novel. The illiterate young Griet, held captive by the strict social order of 17th-century Delft, becomes a maid in the household of Johannes Vermeer to help support her family. She knows her role well: tend the laundry, keep up with the housework, and make sure Vermeer's six children stay out of the way. Griet even thinks she can handle Vermeer's shrewd mother-in-law, his bitter, neglected wife, and the family's jealous servant. But what no one suspects is that Griet's quiet manner, uncanny perception, and fascination with her master's paintings will draw her inexorably into the painter's private world. And as Griet witnesses the creative process of a great master, her long-suppressed passion becomes the catalyst for a scandal that irrevocably changes her life."
Johannes, Jan or Johan Vermeer (Dutch pronunciation: [vərˈmɪər]; baptized in Delft on 31 October 1632 as Joannis, and buried in the same city under the name Jan on 15 December 1675) was a Dutch painter who specialized in exquisite, domestic interior scenes of middle class life. Vermeer was a moderately successful provincial genre painter in his lifetime. He seems never to have been particularly wealthy, leaving his wife and children in debt at his death, perhaps because he produced relatively few paintings.[3]
Vermeer worked slowly and with great care, using bright colours and sometimes expensive pigments, with a preference for cornflower blue and yellow. He is particularly renowned for his masterly treatment and use of light in his work.[4]
Debbie H tells me that the Girl With A Pearl Earring looks like my daughter, Lindsay. I would have to agree...
Debbie M and Margie treated us to a delicious meal of grilled salmon, roasted asparagus, and a neighborhood favorite recipe of horseradish carrots.
Debbie covered her tables in brown paper splattered with paint. Napkins were tied with raffia with an artist paintbrush attached. A framed print of Girl With A Pearl Earring was hung in the study for us to enjoy. And the door prize was a bronze bucket containing a pair of pearl earrings and a print of the Vermeer painting.
Debbie's Roasted Asparagus
2 pounds fresh asparagus
olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Break off tough ends of asparagus. Place on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat asparagus completely.
Spread in single layer and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and return to oven for few minutes till melted.
Horseradish Carrots (This recipe is a favorite neighborhood recipe, from a friend we lost several years ago, Cheri Enfinger)
1 pound carrots, cut into julienne strips
Cover with water and cook until crisp tender. Drain and save liquid.
1/2 cup liquid
2 Tbsp grated onion
1-2 Tbsp prepared horseradish
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
Combine in saucepan and heat until creamy. Pour over carrots in shallow baking dish and top with 1/4 cup buttered bread crumbs and a dash of paprika and dried parsley flakes. Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
(This can be made ahead 1 day and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before baking)
Dinner and a Book Club (minus Debbie M)
Look for my next blog covering our August 2002 selection-Forgive The Moon. This was our first time having the actual author come and join us for dinner and discussion! What fun we had! I felt like Oprah...
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