Brussels-born Henri Decaisne (1799-1852) was chiefly a painter of historical subjects and portraits. Having begun the study of painting at the age of fifteen, Decaisne visited Paris upon the advice of Neoclassical and history painter Jacques Louis David (1748-1825). It was during his time in Paris that Decaisne entered the studio of Romantic painter Girodet (1767-1824) whose work was Decaisne's principal influence.

This painting is believed to be a copy after a lost painting by Giorgione (c. 1478-1510). It is signed on the wall to the left. It depicts a young woman wearing a burgundy-coloured velvet gown with puffed upper sleeves and contrasting grey lower sleeves, trimmed with white lacy cuffs, a style made popular in Spain and Italy during the 1530s and 1540s. Around her waist is a thick, yellow sash and she wears a piece of hair jewellery around the crown of her head. The white round neck of her linen shift is visible under her bodice.