“The Milkmaid,” a celebrated artwork by the Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer, dates back to around 1660. This oil on canvas painting is a stellar example of the Baroque period and measures 41 by 45.5 centimeters. Characteristic of genre painting, which depicts scenes from everyday life, it is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The painting showcases a serene and concentrated maid engaged in the simple act of pouring milk, most likely into an earthenware container. She stands at a table, partially draped with a blue cloth, which beautifully contrasts her yellow bodice and white cap—all rendered with a meticulous play of light and shadow. The scene is suffused with tranquility, and the milkmaid’s downcast gaze focuses our attention on the gentle stream of milk, creating a sense of quiet and presence. The background is dominated by a plain wall, ensuring that the viewer is not distracted from the central figure and the still life composition on the table. Dominated by bread and the stoneware jug from which the milk is poured, the painting is a testament to Vermeer’s gift for imbuing ordinary scenes with a sense of significance and beauty.
