Lucas van LeydenDutch, 1494–1533The Milkmaid
Can I see it?
Not on view at present
Where is “The Milkmaid” now? Collection: Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis. Not on view at present. Checked October 12, 2026.
Minneapolis, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the work
Traditionally, Lucas's The Milkmaid was hailed as one of the first pure, genre subjects in northern European art. Superficially, the shepherd and milkmaid are performing the mundane chores of rural, daily life. However, in subsequent scholarship, erotic overtones have been suggested --specifically, an allegory of lust and free will. The basis of this thesis is the word melkan (to milk) in 16th century Dutch connoted lokken (to lure). Lustful intent has been perceived in the poses and costumes of the figures, landscape details, and prominently placed cattle.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Details
- Accession number
- P.68.270
In the catalog
Sources
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Image: Minneapolis Institute of Art — public domain
