“
It is believed by many critics that Vermeer was inspired in this work by Ter Borch, a Dutch artist who had tackled the theme previously ten years ago. In 1940 A Lady Writing was bought by Sir Harry Oakes, the magistrate of the Bahamas, where it was hung until Oakes’ death. After he had opposed a casino license, Oakes was tragically murdered by the Mafia. The painting was then sold by his widow to Horace Havemeyer, whose sons later bequeathed it to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
”
”