Frances Howard, Duchess of Richmond

Willem de Passe

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a woman seated beside a table with an open book. She is positioned with her body turned slightly to the right, with one hand resting on the edge of the table and the other touching the pages of the book. The woman has a fair complexion, large eyes, and a calm expression. Her hair is styled high with feathers and jewels. She wears a dress with elaborate embroidery, lace, a lace ruff collar and cuffs, floral designs, and ribbons. She wears a necklace and holds a small round object in her left hand. In the background is a partially drawn curtain and a coat of arms hanging on the left side. The tablecloth is ornately patterned.