The central image is a historical portrait of Queen Elizabeth I, depicted in a regal, standing position. She wears an elaborate, wide-brimmed ruff collar and a structured bodice with dark, textured sleeves. Her skirt is voluminous and cream-coloured, decorated with intricate, small-scale illustrations of flora and fauna, including flowers, birds, and insects. She holds a circular, white lacy fan in one hand and stands beside a grand, upholstered chair featuring golden detailing.
The composition is formal and symmetrical, typical of Elizabethan-era portraiture. The background consists of a dark, grid-patterned wall, possibly wood paneling, which emphasizes the contrast of the figure's pale face and light-coloured gown. The floor is covered by a richly patterned, dark-toned carpet or tapestry that anchors the subject within the interior setting.
The artwork uses a muted, deep color palette dominated by browns, golds, and blacks, allowing the lighter tones of the Queen’s face, hands, and gown to serve as the focal point. The painting style is representational and detailed, characterized by the stiff, iconic fashion of the late 16th century, including pearls and fine jewels adorning her hair and gown. The overall mood is solemn, stately, and highly structured, conveying the authority and status associated with the monarchy of the period.