Carl Gustaf Tessin purchased this work and its complement, The laundress, on behalf of Crown Prince Adolf Fredrik and Lovisa Ulrika at a Paris auction. Several of the objects depicted came from Chardin’s home, such as the copper cistern. Here, however, we see everyday chores in a kitchen far away from the rooms occupied by the master and mistress. The beautiful rendering of the contrast of the colours and textures has been compared with works by Flemish masters such as Teniers the younger.