A woman stands upright, her gaze directed outward, meeting the viewer with a composed and steady expression. She wears a voluminous black dress with a fitted bodice and a wide skirt, the fabric rendered with sweeping, fluid brushstrokes that catch the light in soft, silvery highlights. Her sleeves are gathered and trimmed with delicate white lace, and purple ribbons are tied at her elbows, adding a subtle note of color to the otherwise dark attire.

She holds a large, pale feather in her right hand, its soft texture contrasting with the crisp folds of her dress, while her left arm rests gently across her waist. Her skin is luminous, with a warm blush on her cheeks and a gentle modeling of light across her face and décolletage, suggesting a natural daylight source from the left. A wide-brimmed black hat, adorned with a pink feather, sits atop her curled, light brown hair, casting a delicate shadow over her forehead.

The background is a swirl of blue and grey, with hints of orange and green suggesting a landscape at dusk, painted in loose, energetic strokes that contrast with the careful modeling of the figure. At the lower edge, tufts of grass and small flowers emerge from the earth, anchoring the figure in a natural setting. The composition places the woman centrally, her upright posture and the vertical sweep of her gown emphasizing her presence and stature.

The surface of the painting reveals visible, confident brushwork, especially in the textures of the dress, feather, and background, characteristic of a lively and assured hand. The subject is Helena Fourment, whose gaze is directed toward the viewer, as noted in the museum and collection records.