Lady Writing a Letter with Her Maid by Vermeer: Stolen Twice

In this article

Explore the artist · possible likenessJohannes Vermeer →

A lady writes, her maid waits

A lady in a white cap bends over a table, writing a letter. Behind her, a maid stands with her arms folded, looking out of the window. Vermeer painted the scene around 1670 to 1671. It belongs to the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin.

Absorbed in writing

Lady in a white cap bending over a letter with a pen — Absorbed in writing.

The lady leans forward, eyes on the page, her pen moving. Light from the window falls on her white cap and sleeves. She is completely absorbed.

OWN IT.

Lady Writing a Letter with Her Maid hand-painted oil reproduction

Lady Writing a Letter with Her Maid, painted by hand

Johannes Vermeer · oil on canvas, made to order

$299.00~~$599.00~~50% off

Own this masterpiece See sizes and frames

Painted by hand in oil Free shipping worldwide 90-day money-back guarantee

Real paintings, real brushworkSee what arrives at your doorBrowse all samples

The maid looks away

Maid with folded arms looking towards the window — The maid waits and looks away.

The maid stands quietly, arms folded, gazing towards the window. She may be waiting to carry the letter. Her stillness and her glance outside suggest she is thinking about something we cannot see.

Window with stained glass and a white curtain — Light from the window.

At the left, the window has stained glass and a white curtain. As often with Vermeer, it is the only source of light.

A crumpled letter on the floor

Crumpled letter, sealing wax and seal on a tiled floor — A crumpled letter on the floor.

On the tiled floor in front of the table lie a crumpled letter, a stick of sealing wax and a red seal. Perhaps she has thrown away an earlier letter, or a reply she received. Vermeer leaves the story open.

The Finding of Moses on the wall

Painting of the Finding of Moses on the back wall — The Finding of Moses on the wall.

Behind the women hangs a large painting of the Finding of Moses, the same picture that appears in The Astronomer. Some scholars read it as a reference to reconciliation, perhaps hinting at the letter’s purpose.

Stolen twice

The painting belonged to Sir Alfred Beit and hung at Russborough House in Ireland. It was stolen in 1974 and recovered a week later, then stolen again in 1986 by a criminal gang. It was recovered in 1993. The Beits gave it to the National Gallery of Ireland in 1987.

Questions about Lady Writing a Letter with Her Maid

When was it painted?

Around 1670 to 1671.

Where is the original?

National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin.

Was it stolen?

Yes, twice: in 1974 and in 1986. It was recovered both times.

What is on the floor?

A crumpled letter, sealing wax and a seal.

Sources and image credit

Public-domain reproduction of Lady Writing a Letter with Her Maid (about 1670 to 1671), via Wikimedia Commons. Detail images are crops of the same historical painting; no reconstruction or upscaling.