One of the most iconic portraits of all time, this Dutch masterpiece resides in the Mauritshuis Museum at The Hague, Netherlands. Initially sold for a measly 2 DFL ($28, inflation adjusted) in 1881, it has since garnered global fame and adoration. A young woman is turned to gaze at the viewer in a dark space, with a gold dress, blue turban and an abnormally large pearl earring. Vermeer showcases his technical mastery in using soft light over hard lines to create form in this intimate portrait.