Oil-on-canvas painting ???he Milkmaid?? also known as ???he Kitchen Maid?? painted c.1660 by the Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer (Jan Vermeer van Delft, 1632-1675). One of a series of paintings by Vermeer of Dutch interiors that included one or two figures, usually women, engaged in domestic activities such as reading letters or making music. Domestic servants, especially female, were a popular subject for Dutch artists in this period giving rise to much analysis and interpretation of the symbolism and socio-economic values of the 17th century Netherlands. This particular painting of the Delft School is highly celebrated for its qualities in composition, colour, the play of light on differently textured surfaces, and Vermeer's empathetic treatment of the maid. In addition, the possible use of a camera obscura by Vermeer has been suggested.