Artwork
Lady Writing a Letter with her Maid
Lady Writing a Letter with her Maid is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Johannes Vermeer. It dates from 1670 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.
About this work
Overview
Lady Writing a Letter with her Maid is a 17th-century oil painting by Johannes Vermeer, held in the National Gallery of Ireland. It depicts a seated woman writing and her standing maid.
Subject & Meaning
The scene shows a young woman writing a letter, while her maid stands behind, gazing out the window. The maid may be acting as a messenger between the writer and her unseen correspondent.
Technique & Style
The painting employs chiaroscuro, using strong contrasts between light and dark to create depth and volume. Soft sunlight streams through the window, illuminating the scene amidst a generally dimly lit room.
History & Provenance
The painting was stolen twice, in 1974 and 1986, during raids on Russborough House in Ireland, but was recovered on both occasions.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Johannes Vermeer ( vər-MEER, vər-MAIR, Dutch: ; see below; also known as Jan Vermeer; October 1632 – 15 December 1675) was a Dutch painter who specialized in domestic interior scenes of middle-class life.
