This Impressionist-style oil painting depicts a young girl shown in profile, facing toward the left of the frame. Her most striking feature is a cascading mass of long, wavy, reddish-brown hair that flows down her back and over her shoulders, framing her face and creating a soft, textural contrast to the rest of the composition.
The girl has pale, porcelain skin and large, gentle eyes, giving her a serene and contemplative expression. She wears a light-colored, possibly white, garment with textured fabric that catches soft highlights. Her posture is relaxed, with her hands resting gracefully in her lap. The name "Irène Cahan" is printed in a simple serif font centered at the bottom of the image area.
The background is composed of dark, moody, and indistinct foliage or abstract shadows in deep shades of brown, olive, and charcoal. This shadowy backdrop pushes the illuminated figure forward, emphasizing the luminosity of her skin and the warmth of her hair. The artist uses soft, blended brushstrokes characteristic of the Impressionist movement, avoiding sharp lines in favor of light and color transitions. The overall mood is quiet, tender, and elegant, capturing a fleeting moment of childhood grace.