A woman sits at the center of the composition, her body turned toward the viewer, with her head slightly inclined to the left. Her bare torso is illuminated by a strong, golden light that falls from the left, highlighting her pale skin and the delicate folds of the draped greenish cloth around her waist and shoulders. She holds a necklace in her right hand, while her left hand rests on her thigh, and she gazes outward with a composed expression.

To her right, another woman leans in, holding a small letter or note in her hand and presenting it toward the central figure. This second woman wears a dark dress with a white blouse and a decorative headpiece, and her face is turned toward Bathsheba, suggesting a moment of communication or attention. At the feet of the central figure, a third woman kneels, her head bowed as she dries or tends to Bathsheba's foot with a cloth.

This attendant is dressed in a red garment and headscarf, and her posture is humble and absorbed in her task. Behind the figures, a large bronze or golden jug sits on a stone ledge, its surface catching the same warm light that illuminates the women. To the left, a dark fountain rises in the foreground, while behind it, a balustrade and architectural forms recede into shadow, framing the scene with a sense of depth and enclosure.

The background is filled with deep, earthy tones, and the brushwork is loose and textured, especially in the foliage and stone, creating a contrast with the smoother, more detailed rendering of the figures' flesh and fabrics. Rich reds, golds, and browns dominate the color palette, with highlights of white and green in the drapery and headpieces. The composition arranges the three women in a gentle curve, drawing attention to the central figure and the interaction with the letter. According to the title, the subject is Bathsheba receiving David's letter, a theme from religious art.