![Detail from Vermeer's Music Lesson](https://cmsadmin.rct.uk/sites/default/files/lead_image_half_height/Masters%20half.jpg)
NICOLAES MAES (DORDRECHT 1634-AMSTERDAM 1693)
The Listening Housewife
RCIN 405535
A smiling housewife, with keys hanging from her waist, descends a steep wooden spiral staircase (characteristic of Dutch houses) and silences us with a confidential gesture. She is about to catch a flirtatious servant (also characteristic of Dutch houses) entertaining visitors in the basement.
Acquired by George IV in 1811
Cat. 9