Though the quote is attributed on the frame to "The Letters of Girolamo Ridolfi," critics believe that Algernon Charles Swinburne or Rossetti actually wrote it.

[1] Suddenly leaning forward, the Lady Veronica rapidly wrote the first notes on the virgin page.

The camomile in the bird cage may represent "energy in adversity", the primroses youth, and the daffodils reflection.

The violin was part of Rossetti's collection of musical instruments, and the fan also appeared in Monna Vanna.

"[3] After Leyland's estate sale, the painting changed hands three times until it was bought by Charles Fairfax Murray, another Pre-Raphaelite artist.