Dou’s ‘fine painting’ influenced generations of Dutch masters. He creates meticulous detail and flaunts his skill through many different materials, surfaces and intricate shapes. He explores the play of natural daylight and makes objects appear to ‘breathe’ in space. He demands the viewer’s attention, even on this tiny scale, through the serving girl’s guarded stare and the objects spilling out of the front of the picture.

Acquired by George IV in 1814, when Prince Regent, from the Baring Collection