Menzel was able to take more time for this very precise study of a rather contemplative lady with a hat than for many of his other spontaneous sketches.
Rather, Menzel created a portrait, certainly with the knowledge of his sitter, that goes far beyond his usual interest in drapery, hair, and other such details. To this end, Menzel modelled the soft contours of the face with careful blending, and succeeded even at capturing the introspective gaze of the unkown lady.