This marble portrait bust of a lady was presented to Charles II as a gift during his visit to the Dutch Republic in 1660, which had the aim of restoring diplomatic relations between the two countries. Recent research suggests that this portrait can be dated from the early Severan period, around the turn of the 2nd century AD, because of the characteristic hairstyle. The main elements of this style are the parting at the front, the hair swept backwards to the sides forming a wavy pattern, and the elaborate and large plaited chignon which covers the entire back of the head. This fashion had been introduced by Faustina the Younger (consort of Emperor Marcus Aurelius) in the middle of the 2nd century and later on it developed into this intricate arrangement. The high quality of the workmanship and of the chasing technique used to replicate the elaborate hairstyle, indicate that this was not an ordinary commission.

The head is joined to the bust by a plaster seam. Although the bust can be dated to the same period its larger proportions reveal that it was not part of the original portrait. The bust is dressed with a tunic fastened with a brooch at the shoulder and with draperies over the shoulders falling to the front in a V-shape.