Fine Art

A Spanish Brothel — History & Facts

In this print Vermeyen exposes the folly of men who visit brothels. Numbed by drink and lust, the man at the left is being robbed of his moneybag. The man at the right pokes fingers in his inflated cheeks, a gesture that means that appearances are deceptive.

The depiction was probably inspired by Vermeyen’s impressions of Spain, where he spent several years in the retinue of Emperor Charles v.

More Artworks by Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen

Portrait of Charles V by Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen, oil on panel, featuring a regal figure with a piercing gaze.

Portrait of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor

Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen

Etching of King Philip II by Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen, highlighting his regal attire and presence.

Portret van Philips II

Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen

The Marriage at Cana, oil on panel by Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen, featuring a night scene with candlelight.

The Marriage at Cana

Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen

The Virgin and Child with an Angel Making Music, etching by Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen

The Virgin and Child with an Angel Making Music

Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen

Portret van Erard de la Marck, etching by Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen, depicting a noble figure in ornate garments.

Portret van Erard de la Marck, prins-bisschop van Luik

Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen

Portrait of Hendrik II, etching by Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen

Portret van Hendrik II

Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen

Portret van Hendrik II by Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen, etching, depicting a noble with a lace collar.

Portret van Hendrik II

Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen

Seated Woman in Spanish Attire, etching by Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen, featuring a woman in a conical skirt.

Seated Woman in Spanish Attire

Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen

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More Genre Scene Art

A group of Haarlem officers in colorful sashes gathers around a banquet table set with glassware, plates, and a large pie, with a patterned banner behind them.

Banquet of the Officers of the St George Civic Guard

Frans Hals

A man in a feathered hat smiles and raises a glass while holding a woman on his lap, both dressed in elaborate 17th-century clothing with a table of objects nearby.

Rembrandt and Saskia in the Scene of the Prodigal Son

Rembrandt van Rijn

A lively outdoor scene shows couples dancing and groups seated at tables under trees, with figures in flowing dresses and straw hats.

Bal du moulin de la Galette

Pierre-Auguste Renoir

A dancer in a vivid green dress stands with hands on hips facing forward, surrounded by figures in brown, black, and pink clothing with a balcony and loosely sketched background.

Quadrille at the Moulin Rouge

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

A Burial at Ornans

A Burial at Ornans

Gustave Courbet

Two Tahitian women sit against a yellow and blue background; one wears a pale green wrap and red skirt, the other a pink dress with white trim and necklace.

When Will You Marry?

Paul Gauguin

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