In Arrangement in Yellow and Gray; Effie Deans, the viewer sees Effie Deans portrayed in a striking yellow dress. The background is a soft gray, which contrasts beautifully with her attire. Her pose is relaxed yet dignified, capturing her personality.

The overall composition emphasizes her figure and the play of light on the fabric of her dress. The painting is executed in oil on canvas, a common medium for Whistler. The dimensions are approximately 76 x 63 cm, making it a sizable portrait. The use of color is deliberate, with the yellow and gray creating a harmonious balance.

Whistler's brushwork is smooth, showcasing his skill in rendering fabric and form. James Abbott McNeill Whistler was an American artist known for his unique approach to color and composition. This portrait of Effie Deans, painted in the 1860s, reflects the Victorian fascination with portraiture. An interesting fact about this work is that Effie was a significant figure in Whistler's life, serving as both a muse and a subject for several of his paintings.

The work exemplifies Whistler's style and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects.