The central figure of this classic Impressionist-style painting is a female bartender, or barmaid, standing behind a marble counter. She wears a dark, fitted jacket with white lace cuffs and a collar, accessorized with a black velvet choker featuring a delicate pendant. She gazes forward with a neutral, slightly detached expression. A cluster of flowers is pinned to her bodice, and a glass containing roses sits on the counter in front of her.
The setting is a vibrant and crowded music hall, depicted with visible, loose brushstrokes. The background is dominated by a large mirror, which reflects the busy scene behind the bartender, including patrons, chandeliers, and the hazy atmosphere of the performance hall. To the right, a reflection of the woman shows her leaning toward an unseen customer, adding a layer of spatial complexity to the composition. The counter is laden with an assortment of glass bottles, including champagne, and a crystal bowl filled with oranges.
The artwork is rendered in a rich, painterly style characterized by fluid light and shadow. A soft, warm glow from the overhead globes illuminates the scene, contrasting with the dark, moody tones of the woman's clothing and the deep colors of the background. The color palette is dominated by dark neutrals, touches of gold and amber from the bottles, and subtle pinks and whites within the flowers and lace, creating a sophisticated and atmospheric mood.