3-016-090 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

The old hostess, c. 1660. Depicting Dutch tavern life in the mid to late 17th century: a nondescript, austere and after-dark setting, with three foreground, ageing male drinkers, clearly in their cups, who are joined by the careworn old hostess of the title. She holds a mug which she is presumably about to refill. The foreground drinker appears to be sprawling, no doubt assisted by his alcoholic intake.