Elizabeth Howard, 1st Countess of Peterborough, stands in full length at the center of the composition, her body turned slightly to her left while her gaze meets the viewer directly. She wears a voluminous, silvery satin gown with broad sleeves, the fabric rendered with soft, luminous brushwork that captures the play of light across its folds and sheen. A blue ribbon is tied at her waist, and strings of pearls drape from her neck and bodice, their rounded forms picked out with delicate highlights.

Her left hand holds a small bouquet of flowers, while her right gently gathers the folds of her dress, revealing the subtle movement of the fabric. Her hair is styled in loose curls, with a blue ornament or ribbon visible above her forehead, and she wears pearl earrings that echo the necklace and bodice ornaments. The background is divided between a massive architectural column on the right and a glowing sunset sky, where orange and gold tones suggest the end of the day.

To the left, a rich red drapery descends in heavy folds, its vivid color contrasting with the cool tones of her gown and drawing attention to the sitter. Anthony van Dyck creates a sense of elegance and poise through the sitter’s upright posture, the careful arrangement of her hands, and the subtle, reserved expression on her face. Portrait of Elizabeth Howard, 1st Countess of Peterborough is painted by Anthony van Dyck and dated to 1639, with another source describing it as about 1638. The subject, Elizabeth Howard, Countess of Peterborough, is identified in both the title and collection records. The composition’s balance between architectural elements, drapery, and landscape, along with the sitter’s stately presence, reflects the artist’s approach to aristocratic portraiture during this period.