The painting is a portrait of a woman. The woman is facing away from the viewer, and her head is bowed. Her hair is long and dark, and it hangs down her back in loose waves. The woman's dress is also dark, and it blends in with the background of the painting. The only light in the painting comes from a small window on the left side of the canvas. The window is letting in a shaft of light, which is illuminating the woman's face. The woman's expression is difficult to read, but she appears to be sad or pensive. The painting is done in a realistic style, and the artist has used a variety of techniques to create a sense of depth and texture. The overall effect of the painting is one of sadness and isolation.