Elisabeth Jerichau-Baumann (1819-81), whose husband was a professor of Fine Arts at Copenhagen University, visited London in June 1852 to present Queen Victoria with a portrait of the Queen Dowager of Denmark (see RCIN 612341), and to exhibit her works at the Bridgewater Gallery. A review in the Times, probably intending this portrait, reported that 'the lovers of simple natural beauty will not fail to be attracted by the portrait of an Icelandic maiden, in her national Sunday suit, holding her Psalm book in her hand - a picture which for the tenderness and truthfulness of execution seems to us worthy of the highest praise.' Of Jerichau-Baumann's paintings in general the article concluded that 'the best proof that can be adduced of their excellence is to be found in the fact that they stand surrounded by the terrible competition of those great masterpieces of art in which the Bridgewater Gallery abounds, and yet forcibly attract the visitor.'

The young widow is seated at half-length, clasping a prayer book or bible in her lap; dressed in black and wearing a tight-fitting black hat with a long black tassel over her plaited blonde hair.