The Milkmaid, in high resolution
From the series Vermeer
The Milkmaid Johannes Vermeer (1632–1675), oil on canvas, c. 1660
A maidservant pours milk, entirely absorbed in her work. Except for the stream of milk, everything else is still. Vermeer took this simple everyday activity and made it the subject of an impressive painting – the woman stands like a statue in the brightly lit room. Vermeer also had an eye for how light by means of hundreds of colourful dots plays over the surface of objects.
More Vermeer
Would you like to see the paintings in real life? Then come and see the largest Vermeer exhibition ever! From 10 February to 4 June 2023 at the Rijksmuseum.
