18th C, Rococo-Style, Genre, A Milkgirl portrait

Not only in the 17th century, but also in the 18th century, genre painting, where people are portrayed in their daily life, was successful. The theme of the milkmaid, which we all know thanks to Vermeer's work, continued to live on in the rococo. French painters interested in painting women doing household chores included Jean-Baptiste Chardin (Paris, 1699-1779) and Jean-Baptiste Greuze (Tournus, 1725 – Paris, 1805). Greuze’s Milkmaid, leaning on a horse (1780, now in the Louvre) became a source of inspiration for many artists. In a recent auction, two pendants of a milkmaid and a flower girl in Greuze's style were sold.(http://www.artnet.com/artists/jean-baptiste-greuze/a-milkmaid-and-a-flower-girl-oval-shaped-P6Dm-NgqTNryD0a5zT3JQQ2 )

The pastel drawing that is offered for sale shows some resemblance to the painting from the auction. The girls’ facial features are delicately modelled. The deep neckline provides a slightly erotic touch.