[1] A similar idea is found in Jacob Cats' Spiegel van den Ouwden en Niewen in the section "Whores and their sly tricks" which depicts a prostitute handing her client a brazier of hot coals instead of a pipe.

[2] However both Leyster's painting and the emblem in Cats' book can be read through its accompanying verse "Thus I am in danger where I put my fingers; your coal as does your maidenhead - it burns or it infects" condemning both the courtesan and her male client.

[1] Some critics, such as Cynthia Kartnehorst-Von Bogendorf Rupprath argue that Leyster's work drives this point home as the man in the painting breaks the fourth wall looking at the viewer as if asking his or her involvement in his decision.

[1] Leyster's choice to have this exchange take place at night with candlelight both adds an air of suspense and intrigue[1] and showcases her mastery of and interest in lighting and shadows.

[3] While some scholars have argued that this emphasis on lighting brings to mind Leyster's potential influence from the Utrecht Caravaggisti[3] others emphasize the painting's similarity in composition to her husband, Jan Miense Molenaer's early work Card Players by Lamplight.