It appears to be a simple domestic scene, but there are messages in the picture that would have been recognised by the contemporary viewer. The maid alludes to the young lady's future domestic role in servitude to her husband. The dog sitting on the floor is also commonly used to represent marital fidelity, again symobolising the young lady's future marriage. In the background her music teacher indicates the inscription on the virginals (the instrument depicted) which be loosely translated as, 'from the labour of music-making rises sweetness'.