Figures in a Courtyard behind a House, Pieter de Hooch, c. 1663 - c. 1665
oil on canvas, h 60cm × w 45.7cm More details
In the shelter of the shade, a woman squeezes the juice of a lemon into her glass, while her companion attempts to draw her attention. Perhaps she wants to keep a cool head: in the 17th century it was believed that lemons could calm intense infatuation. Two maidservants bustle about: one is serving drinks, while the other is scrubbing a kettle.
