In Portret van dame bij een fontein, we see a young lady elegantly dressed, standing beside a fountain. The colors are soft and warm, with a palette dominated by earthy tones and gentle pastels. The setting appears to be a lush garden, enhancing the serene atmosphere of the scene.

The lady's expression is calm and composed, inviting the viewer to ponder her thoughts. The painting is executed in oil on canvas, a common medium during the Dutch Golden Age. The artist, Nicolaes Maes, is known for his skillful use of light and shadow, which is evident in the way the sunlight reflects off the water of the fountain. The details of the lady's attire, including intricate lace and delicate fabrics, showcase Maes' attention to texture and realism.

The dimensions of the painting are approximately 70 x 90 cm, making it a sizable work that captures the viewer's attention. Nicolaes Maes was a prominent Dutch painter of the 17th century, often associated with the genre of portraiture. This particular work reflects the artist's ability to blend realism with a sense of elegance, a hallmark of his style. Interestingly, Maes was initially a student of Rembrandt, which influenced his early works.

Over time, he developed his own unique approach, focusing on the depiction of women in domestic settings, as seen in this painting.