One of the main themes is the exploration of art and beauty. The novel delves into how the girl in the painting, with her simple yet alluring presence, represents a certain aesthetic. Another theme is social class differences. The girl is from a lower social class and her relationship with the painter, who is from a higher class, is complex. There's also the theme of mystery, as the story around the girl and the painting remains somewhat enigmatic.
The main themes include beauty and attraction. The pearl earring itself is a symbol of beauty and refinement, and the girl wearing it becomes a focal point of that beauty. Social inequality is also a key theme. We see how the different social standings of the characters influence their interactions and relationships. And finally, the theme of unspoken desires exists, as there are unsaid feelings and tensions between the characters.