The image is a portrait of a woman shown from the waist up. She stands facing the camera directly with her arms resting by her sides. Her facial features are clearly visible with a neutral expression. She has short hair neatly styled under a large decorative hat adorned with large fabric flowers and leaves. She is wearing a long-sleeved high-necked dress with structured shoulders, a fitted bodice, pleated design on the upper part, and a slim waistline. The dress is of a textured fabric in a dark color. She wears small earrings. The background is a simple textured backdrop, with the portrait enclosed in a decorative border. There is a photographer's mark that reads "Rhoads & Carte, Charlottesville, Va." at the bottom of the frame.