On the lower part of the bedpost is a carved Cupid which underlines the amorous nature of the encounter. This, and the offering of money, indicates that this is a brothel scene. Schalcken specialised in painting interiors lit by candlelight.
This painting was made when Schalcken was working in Dordrecht. It is painted in a highly finished style which Schalcken had learnt in the studio of Gerrit Dou.
