This painting is of “The Old Maid, Honest, Godly and Virtuous Birgitta Johansdotter”, who died in the poorhouse of Saints James and John in Stockholm. Portraits of servants from the 18th century are unusual. This one was probably commissioned by a former employer. Brita Johansdotter is shown at work, but with her clay pipe within reach. A cat peeps out from behind her skirt, perhaps interested in the herrings on the plate.