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In the context of the grand feasts at the house in Papists’ Corner, meat represents luxury. In the context of Pieter’s courtship of Griet, though, it stands for stability. Vermeer can barely afford to feed his growing family, but his wife Catharina wants to live the same luxurious life she had as the daughter of a wealthy merchant. Thus, her daily purchases of expensive meat—which she even shares with household servants like Tanneke and Griet—allow her to claim participation in the ranks of the city’s elite. In contrast, the fact that Griet’s mother and father will have consistent access to meat if Griet marries a butcher highlights the ways in which certain strategic social or relational decisions can lead to financial security in this community.
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Meat Symbol Timeline in Girl with a Pearl Earring
The timeline below shows where the symbol Meat appears in Girl with a Pearl Earring. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 1: 1664
...14 years—half of the housekeeper’s life. Although it’s been months since Griet’s family could afford meat, her old butcher recognizes her and calls out a friendly hello. Out of the context...
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...she’s begun to call the Crucifixion Room. When she finally gets her own meal, the meat tastes especially welcome after such a long time of going without.
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...house. At Meat Hall, she greets her old family butcher, who offers to set some meat aside for her family and teases her for patronizing Pieter the Butcher and his handsome...
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...the day passes like many to come: after cleaning the studio and fetching the day’s meat or fish, Griet turns her attention to the laundry and other chores. At night, she...
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...Griet finds Pieter’s kindness almost too painful to bear, although the family eats especially fine meat all autumn. And, although she sometimes convinces Frans to join her, her visits home become...
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...during most of the preparations. Three days before the feast, Pieter brings a cart of meat to the house. He asks for Griet, smiling widely and unguardedly when she appears in...
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Chapter 2: 1665
...daughter to encourage his affection—in part, Griet realizes, because she longs for good food and meat again. Griet feels surprised, but she’s also grateful that her mother doesn’t press her about...
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Chapter 4: 1676
...bristles at Tanneke’s tone, but she tries to remain polite. Tanneke ponders the cuts of meat laid out in the stall until Griet asks if she will buy anything. Of course,...
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