The Muff

James McNeill Whistler

National Gallery of Art

The image depicts a side profile of a woman shown from the waist up. She is seated and turned slightly toward the right, showing her profile. Her facial features are delicately drawn, with a soft expression and eyes gazing forward. Her hair is elaborately styled, likely pinned up, with fluid, sketchy lines. She is dressed in an elegant garment with a high collar and possibly a fur wrap or muff, indicated by the texture and shading around her arms. There are no visible pieces of jewelry or objects held. The background is filled with dense, crosshatched lines, creating a textured and somewhat abstract effect.