Brothel Scene, Nicolaes Knupfer (attributed to), c. 1650

pen and brown ink, with brown wash, h 270mm × w 320mm More details

This type of scene was called a Bordeeltje (‘little bordello’). The biblical story of the Prodigal Son squandering his inheritance was a popular pretext for painting brothel scenes. Knüpfer regularly depicted biblical scenes, which led to attributing this drawing to him. Yet the Prodigal Son seems to be missing here. At the right can be seen the old procuress, who ensures that her girls keep the men’s spirits up.