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Summary: In the pages 150 to 200, Griet finds herself in a situation out of her control. The patron of Vermeer, van Ruijven asks for a painting of her, forcing her to sit long hours and be watched by the painter. Furthermore the wealthy customer has less than moral intentions for the young maid. Also while she is obligated to help her family by marrying the butcher, Pieter, it is uncertain as to whether she will follow through with it. During her brief modelling career Griet becomes more and more confused with herself.
"A maid does not wear pearls."
Griet's modeling career
Pieter: Pieter is Griet's boyfriend. He is the son and apprentice of her family's butcher, also named, Pieter. Pieter represents Griet's sensibility. She is to marry Pieter in order to feed her family. Things are not so easy for Griet though, as there would be no story if they were. She has mentioned that when with the butcher in the alley, she would think about assisting Vermeer with his colors and being with him.
Vermeer: The name of the famous painter may strike you as familiar. this artist has been asked to paint a picture of his young maid. The maid often has feelings of confusion and distress around him. At first Griet is aprehensive in allowing Vermeer to gaze at her as she stood in silence, posing for the painting. However, after a while she finds solice in being in his studio, helping him with his paints and modelling for him .
Van Ruijven: Seemingly the only customer of Vermeer's paintings at the time, he is the only way for his continuously growing family to find wealth and sustanance. When he asks for a painting of ''The wide eyed maid'', Griet, Vermeer is less than reluctant to do so. Nevertheless, painting of the girl commensed. The Vermeer's could not afford to offend their patron , they would lose their income. As much as Griet wishes to avoid the man with groping hands, that once made a maid pregnant, she cannot betray her new family, and furthermore, Vermeer himself.
Griet's Romances:
when Griet models for her mastrer, she is told to wear pearl earrings. This is many things to Griet. Piercing her ears is a complete submission to Vermeer, he would have more control over her than ever. Not only this, but by wearing the pearls of her mistress, she is going behind Catharina's back, This is a betrayal that will later get her expelled from the house. Even more, piercing her ears is what Griet believes to be promiscuous. Even though she is farthest from it, she has had an internal battle with the thoughts caused by the unrelenting reminders of her sexuality, all around her.
