The young girl Griet (Scarlett Johansson) comes from a poor family, so she works as a maid in the house of the painter Vermeer (Colin Firth). Vermeer lives with his wife and mother-in-law, who often act bossy. His wife is even more wary of the young Griet. In a very harsh and oppressive atmosphere, Griet lives a humble life in Vermeer's house. Vermeer's paintings bring her a little joy in life. When she cleans up her master's studio, she reveals her talent for art. She talks to Vermeer about her understanding of the paintings, and their heart-to-heart talks slowly grow their affection for each other. Griet knows that it is impossible to have a positive relationship with Vermeer, but she is willing to be a model for Vermeer's painting. Silently, she endures Vermeer piercing her ears, puts on his wife's pearl earrings, and paints the suffocating beauty of this moment.