Blue Reverie – A Tribute to Vermeer

by Michael Ehni

With ‘Blue Reverie’, I draw on one of the most famous motifs in art history: Johannes Vermeer’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’. I was drawn to the idea of removing this iconic depiction from its original context and giving it its own, contemporary visual language. At the centre is a woman’s face with bright blue eyes and an intensely blue headscarf. The famous glance over the shoulder is retained as an art-historical reference, yet is transformed through a deliberately independent interpretation. In my version, the traditional single pearl earring is also transformed into a more striking, three-part piece of jewellery.

The contrast between the relatively clearly defined figure and the expressive, almost dissolved background was particularly important to me. Vivid shades of blue and turquoise meet white, grey and warm ochre accents. The free, gestural application of paint creates an atmosphere that balances tranquillity, movement and a mysterious dreaminess.

I did not set out to create a copy of the famous original, but rather a dialogue between the past and the present. Vermeer’s timeless visual concept remains recognisable, yet takes on a new character through my interpretation.

‘Blue Reverie’ is part of my REMASTER series – an artistic exploration of classical masterpieces and the spirit of our times.