Artist: Johannes Vermeer
Created: c. 1657–1658
Dimensions (cm): 45.5 × 41
Format: Oil painting
Location: Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
For Johannes Vermeer examining the work of a milk or kitchen maid was as good a tribute as any. In this beautifully lit composition, Vermeer depicted an everyday woman, performing an everyday task, albeit an important one. He showcases an almost faceless woman, with nothing remarkable about her figure, pouring milk onto a clay container. Through his use of color and light, he gives momentum to her intention and guides us into her world.
We are touched by her devotion and care, we feel her warmth and welcoming disposition, as Vermeer strips down our expectations and brings us into his own experience.