Have We Finally Solved The Mystery of Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring? With Andrew Graham-Dixon

Intelligence Squared

Arts, News, Society & Culture, News Commentary

4.2 • 1.1K Ratings

🗓️ 19 December 2025

⏱️ 51 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Johannes Vermeer is one of the greatest painters in history, yet the man himself remains an enigma. But have we finally solved the mystery of one of his most famous paintings? On this episode we’re joined by Andrew Graham-Dixon, one of Britain’s best known art historians. In his new book Vermeer: A Life Lost and Found, he sets out a radical reappraisal of Vermeer’s life, beliefs and the meaning of his paintings. He shows us an artist immersed in the religious debates of the Dutch Republic in the 17th Century, and argues that this atmosphere is key to understanding Vermeer, the man and his work. In conversation with Hannah Kaye, Graham-Dixon also shares his illuminating new interpretation of The Girl with the Pearl Earring. Graham-Dixon is one of the leading art critics and arts television presenters in the English-speaking world. He has presented numerous landmark series on art for the BBC and other broadcasters, and has a distinguished record of public service in the visual arts. For over twenty years, he published a weekly art column – first as Chief Art Critic for The Independent, and later for The Sunday Telegraph. If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more. For £4.99 per month you'll also receive: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series - 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events ... Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series … Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access. … Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more. https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0	Our days start with water. Our whole lives revolve around it.
0:04.0	Health, education, livelihoods, they all start with water.
0:08.0	But one in ten people around the world don't have clean water.
0:12.0	People like 13-year-old Nestilene in Madagascar,
0:15.0	who collects dirty water every day before school
0:18.0	because she doesn't have any other choice. 50% of people in Madagascar don't have clean water close to home.
0:24.6	But by donating to Water Aid, you can help change that.
0:28.6	Water Aid is working with communities in Madagascar and around the world to have clean water.
0:33.6	When a community gains clean water, everything changes.
0:36.6	Children stay in school, women reclaim
0:39.0	their time and safety, health improves, livelihoods thrive. The ripple effect is immediate and
0:44.7	it lasts for generations. Just £5 a month over a year can buy five standpipe taps so children
0:51.1	like Nestilene and her whole community can have clean water for years to come.
0:55.7	Please donate £5 a month today and help WaterAid to work alongside communities to bring clean water
1:01.3	to everyone everywhere. Visit water.org to find out more.
1:06.5	Why are businesses like HelloVet choosing Apple products and services?
1:10.8	So we started the business two years ago.
1:13.2	We had a few people who were used to PCs
1:15.5	and this was their first foray into Macs.
1:18.5	But it's been super smooth getting everyone onto those devices
1:21.6	and everyone seems really, really happy.
1:24.1	Find out how Mac can help you run and grow your business
	...

Transcript will be available on the free plan in 20 days. Upgrade to see the full transcript now.

Previous episode | Next episode

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Intelligence Squared, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Intelligence Squared and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.