In the rich and diverse panorama of 17th-century Dutch art, Willem van Mieris's work stands out for its ability to capture moments of everyday life with remarkable depth and sensitivity. "An Old Woman with a Urine Glass The Charlatan" is an emblematic piece that not only showcases the artist's talent but also reflects the social and medical concerns of his time. This painting, both intriguing and unsettling, immerses us in a universe where popular medicine and human credulity intersect. Through the gaze of this old woman, the artist invites us to reflect on themes of health, deception, and wisdom gained with age. Style and uniqueness of the work The work is characterized by meticulous attention to detail and an undeniable mastery of light and shadow. Van Mieris, as a genre painter, excels in depicting characters in their everyday environment, and this canvas is no exception. The old woman, with a face marked by time, is portrayed with striking expressiveness. Her gaze, both skeptical and curious, seems to question the viewer about the very nature of what she holds in her hands. The urine glass, an object both mundane and loaded with meaning, becomes the symbol of an era when medicine was often a blend of science and superstition. Warm colors and delicate textures add a tactile dimension to the work, making each element almost palpable. The composition, skillfully orchestrated, guides the viewer's eye through a scene that evokes both humor and a certain melancholy. The artist and his influence Willem van Mieris, born in 1662 in Leiden, is the son of the famous painter Frans van Mieris. Raised in an artistic environment, he quickly developed a personal style that combines realism and narrative elements. His ability to depict scenes of everyday life with a touch of irony and social critique places him among the masters of the genre. The influence of his father and that of the great Dutch masters, such as Vermeer