The artist, known only as the Brunswick Monogrammist, worked in Antwerp from 1525 to 1550. His genrelike pictures made him the best known precursor of Pieter Brueghel and appear to capture spontaneous moments from everyday life. This painting was partially painted over in the late 16th century; the original version levied strong criticism against the church. Where now a country squire stands next to the bed of prostitute, the artist had originally portrayed a Franciscan monk. His tonsure is still visible to the naked eye under the repainting.