Jan Olis Gorinchem 1610 - 1676 Heusden

Images of merry companies gathered in comfortable Dutch interiors are one of the most important genres produced in 17th century Netherlands.  The present picture is particularly ambiguous.  In spite of the elegance of their dress, which might suggest that we are dealing with wealthy burghers' wives, the four women represented in the composition are shown engaged in a variety of inappropriate activities, such as drinking, smoking and gambling.  It is difficult to determine whether the man in the doorway is casting a praising or disapproving look on the merry women, but it is certain that their allowing themselves to be witnessed at this moment enhances the faultiness of their behavior.  In any event, the presence of the male figure in the doorframe and that of a bed against the back wall on the left indicate that it is likely that this is in fact an elegant brothel, and that the women are courtesans.