Mixed media on paper. Signed in pencil on the back. Pietro Michis specialized in genre scenes, often in "historical" or ancient-style settings, such as this curious and amusing scene: in her room, a lady, assisted by her nurse or lady-in-waiting, is trying to write a letter, with fragments scattered on the floor indicating her unsatisfactory attempts, while behind the screen the letter's recipient's servant waits, yawning. The work is presented in a period frame. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no official proof of authenticity, however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity issues arising from misattribution