The Milkmaid (Vermeer) van Leyden's engraving "The Milkmaid" (1510) and Jacques de Gheyn II's engraving "The Archer and the Milkmaid" (about 1610). Vermeer's painting is even more understated, although the use of symbols remains: one of the Delft tiles at the foot of the wall behind the maid, near the foot warmer, depicts Cupid – which can imply arousal of a woman or simply that while she is working she is daydreaming about a man. Other amorous symbols in the painting include a wide-mouthed jug, often used as a symbol of the female anatomy. The foot warmer was often used by artists as
The Old Lacemaker scarlet sleeves. Over her head hangs a basket of eggs. On a dresser at the side is some crockery. " A masterly production but a little darkened by time" (Sm.). Panel, 15 1/2 inches by 13 1/2 inches. "Sale." London, 1836 (£69 : 6s.)." The 1836 sale was at Christie's lot 60, and the buyer was Colemna. In 1994 it came on the market again and the museum was able to purchase it with support from VSB Fonds Den Haag, Vereniging Rembrandt, and Vrienden van het Mauritshuis. The Old Lacemaker The Old Lacemaker (circa 1655) is an oil on canvas