An unidentified woman is portrayed in a sixth plate ambrotype, presented without a hinged case in a thermoplastic wall frame rather than the standard book-style housing typical of the period. The image dates to the 1860s or 1870s based on the subject's dress and the format's popularity. No photographer's imprint is present.

The woman wears a dark dress with a heavily textured, ruffled bib front trimmed in what appears to be jet or black passementerie, and a white high-neck collar closes at the throat with a small brooch. Her dark hair is parted at the center and pulled smoothly back over the ears. She turns slightly to her left and holds a faint, composed expression.

The thermoplastic frame is molded in an elaborate floral and foliate pattern with beaded borders and raised corner bosses. A gilt brass mat with a shaped shield aperture surrounds the image, backed by a deep gold-orange paper liner. Two brass hanging rings are mounted on the reverse, one at the top and one at the side, confirming the piece was designed for wall display.

The reverse of the frame is plain and unmarked, with no photographer's label or inscription visible.

Property of a Palmer, Massachusetts gentleman.