A bust portrait of a young woman turned three-quarters to the left with a slight tilt of the head and a piercing gaze directed at the viewer. A white shirt with a standing collar is visible from beneath the dark blue caftan, tied at the front with a black thread. The woman's clothes are in delicate folds. Her right hand rests, and her palm is showing from under a white cuff. The woman is holding a small open book. The dark background of the painting allows the viewer to fully concentrate on the woman's well-lit face, which shows a subtle smile.