Johannes Vermeer, the 17th-century Dutch master who painted the work by that title, popularized by the 2003 film adaptation of the 1999 novel, often drew on his Catholic upbringing and identity.

Rob de Heer talks next to his artwork, one of 60 pieces exhibited and inspired by the famous “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” painting by Johannes Vermeer, at The Mauritshuis museum in The Hague ...