# Lady Writing a Letter with Her Maid \(detail\) [View the canonical artwork record]() ## Artwork - Artist: [VERMEER, Johannes]() - Date: 1651-1700 - Technique: Oil on canvas ## Commentary Lady Writing a Letter with Her Maid \(detail\) c. 1670 Oil on canvas National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin The composition is activated by the strong contrast between the two figures. The firm stance of the statuesque maid acts as a counterweight to the lively mistress intent on writing her letter. The maid's gravity is emphasized by her central position in the composition. The left upright of the picture frame anchors her in place while the regular folds of her clothing sustain the effect down to the floor. In contrast, the mistress inclines dynamically on her left forearm. Her compositional placement thrusts her against the compressed space on the right side of the canvas. Strong light outlines the writing arm against the shaded wall, reflecting in angular planes from the blouse that contrast abruptly with the regimented folds of the maid's costume. The mistress is painted in precise, meticulous strokes as opposed to the broad handling of the brush used to depict the maid. ## Related artworks - [A Lady and Two Gentlemen \(detail\)]() - [A Lady and Two Gentlemen \(detail\)]() - [A Lady and Two Gentlemen \(detail\)]() - [A Lady and Two Gentlemen]() - [A Lady at the Virginals with a Gentleman \(detail\)]() - [A Lady at the Virginals with a Gentleman \(detail\)]() - [A Lady at the Virginals with a Gentleman \(detail\)]() - [A Lady at the Virginals with a Gentleman]() - [A Lady Drinking and a Gentleman \(detail\)]() - [A Lady Drinking and a Gentleman \(detail\)]() - [A Lady Drinking and a Gentleman \(detail\)]() - [A Lady Drinking and a Gentleman \(detail\)]() ## Attribution [Web Gallery of Art]()