The subject in red is Ida Nettleship, the artist's first wife, who died in 1907. The other subject is most probably Ida and Gwen John's fellow student at the Slade, Gwen Salmond (later Lady Matthew Smith). The three shared a flat and a studio. An early painting by Gwen John 'Interior with Figures', circa 1898-99 (National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne) depicts Gwen Salmond reading a book with Ida looking over her shoulder. (see C. Langdale, Gwen John, New Haven, 1987, no.7).