The sitter has been variously identified as either Gustav Vasa’s sister, Margareta, or his first consort, Katarina of Saxe-Lauenburg. The shields suggest that she is Margareta Vasa, but like the inscription they are a secondary addition. The artist has devoted considerable attention to the costume and the jewellery, while the face has few individual features. The painting recalls contemporary German painting from the circle of Lucas Cranach the Elder.