1659
Oil on panel, 45 x 35 cm
The Hermitage, St. Petersburg
Mieris's work are marked by the exceptional thoroughness of details, an effective variety of textures, and a smooth manner of painting akin to that of enamel miniatures. The everyday subject has an obvious erotic subtext: the richly furnished interior and elegant attire mask the vice that is cultivated in this establishment dedicated to gratification. The gentleman offers oysters, a symbol of lust and base pleasures. The woman's feigned shyness cannot hide her satiated ennui.
