A cream-white water lily with a golden centre sits among broad, flat lily pads on dark, calm water. The petals are built from thick, creamy strokes of oil paint that catch the light. A glassy-winged dragonfly rests in the lower foreground.

Behind the flower, the pond fades into a hazy, silvery distance of reeds and soft reflections. The palette of sage, olive and cream keeps the scene quiet and gentle, in the tradition of impressionist pond paintings.