A woman stands alone against a neutral, softly blended background, her form dominating the vertical composition. She is dressed in a long, black dress that reaches the floor, the dark fabric providing a marked contrast to her pale complexion and the lighter tones of her accessories. A sheer, white shawl or mantilla is draped around her shoulders and over her head, its translucent folds rendered with delicate, fluid brushwork.

Atop her head, a large, pink bow stands out vividly, adding a touch of color and drawing attention to her composed expression. Her face is pale and oval, framed by dark, curly hair, and she gazes outward with an air of quiet dignity. Both hands are positioned before her, one gloved in black and the other bare, holding a closed hand fan with a pale yellow stick and dark leaf.

Her feet, clad in white shoes, are visible below the hem of her dress, and her posture is upright, with her hands and feet crossed. The background is softly painted in muted tones, lacking any architectural or landscape features, which emphasizes the sitter and her presence. The brushwork varies from the precise handling of her face and hands to the more atmospheric treatment of the background and the gauzy shawl. Francisco de Goya created this work between 1793 and 1795, during a period when he was a sought-after portraitist in Madrid.

The article also notes that the composition, with its focus on the sitter and absence of other visual cues, compels attention to her gaze and demeanor.