The novel is a fictionalized account of the story behind Johannes Vermeer's famous painting of the same name. The main character is Griet, a 16-year-old Protestant girl from a working-class family in 17th-century Delft, Holland. She is hired as a maid in the household of the Catholic painter Vermeer.
Over the course of three years (1664-1666), Griet becomes fascinated by Vermeer's artistic process and gradually becomes his trusted assistant, helping to prepare his paints and canvases. She secretly hopes that by assisting him, Vermeer will grow to love her, but he remains devoted to his work above all else.
The novel's climax occurs when Vermeer uses his wife Catharina's pearl earrings, without her knowledge, to adorn Griet as the subject of his most famous painting. When Catharina discovers this betrayal, she flies into a rage and Griet is abruptly dismissed from the household.
Ten years later, after Vermeer's death, Catharina begrudgingly gives Griet the pearl earrings as per her husband's wishes. Griet pawns them, using part of the money to pay off the Vermeer family's debts as a final gesture of loyalty to her former master.

Artistic Vision and Process
The novel shows Vermeer's artistic process, his meticulous attention to detail, use of light and color, and the challenges of capturing a specific moment on canvas. It highlights the dedication and sacrifices required for artistic genius.

Gender Roles and Constraints
Griet, the protagonist, navigates the strict societal norms and limited opportunities for women in 17th-century Dutch society as a maid in Vermeer's household. The novel examines the constraints placed on women of different classes during that era.

Class Divisions
The story explores the stark class divisions between the wealthy Vermeer family and Griet's impoverished family of artisans. Griet's journey from her humble beginnings to the artist's maid offers insights into the rigid class structures of that time.

Forbidden Desire and Passion
An undercurrent of forbidden desire and passion runs through the novel, hinted at in Griet's complex relationships with Vermeer, his wife Catharina, and the butcher's son Pieter. This tension adds depth to the exploration of human emotions and societal boundaries.

Identity and Self-Discovery
Griet's coming-of-age story traces her journey of self-discovery as she navigates the complexities of her new environment, artistic awakening, and burgeoning sexuality, ultimately shaping her identity and future path.

Through these intertwined themes, Chevalier crafts a rich tapestry that not only imagines the story behind Vermeer's puzzling masterpiece, but also provides a vivid portrayal of 17th-century Dutch society and the human condition.