A woman stands at the center, dressed in a voluminous white gown that spreads outward in a wide hoop, its surface dotted with gold accents and trimmed with a richly patterned border at the hem. Her left hand rests lightly on a red velvet cushion, embroidered with gold and edged with tassels, while her right hand holds the edge of her skirt, revealing a glimpse of her pointed, silver shoes beneath the dress. Her sleeves are sheer and puffed, ending just below the elbow with lace and more gold decoration, and her arms are adorned with bracelets and a ring on her right hand.

A large, layered hat sits atop her dark, curled hair, decorated with a sweeping white feather and blue ribbons, its transparent fabric echoing the delicate textures of her sleeves and collar. Her face is pale and framed by curls, with wide, dark eyes and a faint, closed-lipped smile, looking directly outward with an air of composure. Behind her, the background is a deep, shadowy black, which throws the figure and her elaborate costume into sharp relief, while the red of the cushion adds a warm accent to the otherwise cool palette.

The paint is applied with smooth, controlled brushstrokes, especially in the rendering of the dress and skin, while the details of the jewels and embroidery are picked out with precise touches of light and color. The composition is carefully balanced, with the figure filling the canvas from top to bottom and her arms creating a gentle diagonal that leads from the hat down to the skirt and shoes. Tiny, reflective highlights on the jewelry and the shimmer of the fabric suggest the play of light across the rich materials, emphasizing the opulence of her attire. The subject of this portrait is Maria Luisa of Parma, as indicated by the title and supporting records.