A woman stands against a shadowy background, her face softly illuminated and turned slightly to her left. She wears a strikingly large, white ruff collar that frames her head and neck, its crisp pleats rendered with delicate precision. The woman's dress is black with intricate, glossy folds and subtle highlights, accented by gold chains and a patterned belt at her waist.

Fine lace cuffs emerge from her sleeves, their edges painted with minute, feathery strokes that catch the light. Light falls strongly from the left, casting gentle shadows on her face and hands, and leaving much of the background in deep darkness. The palette is restrained, dominated by blacks, whites, and muted golds, with the flesh tones of her face and hands standing out against the somber clothing.

Brushwork appears smooth and controlled in the rendering of her face and hands, while the textures of lace, fabric, and metal are described with remarkable clarity. The composition centers the woman, her upright pose and direct gaze lending a sense of dignity and presence. Small details, such as the glint of her jewelry and the transparency of the lace, reward close inspection and demonstrate the artist's technical skill.

The woman’s left hand rests on a greenish-blue cloth that drapes over the lower right corner of the composition, its folds softly highlighted by the light source. A gold chain loops from her right hand and dangles downward, ending in a small, finely detailed tassel. The upper left and lower left corners of the painting dissolve into deep shadow, with no discernible objects or features visible in these areas. Portrait of a Woman is painted by Rembrandt van Rijn, as given in the title line.