The coat of arms on this painting identifies the sitter as a member of the Römer family from the Eifel region near Cologne, Germany. She is probably Joanna von Römer, who wed Joannes von Salm of Cologne in 1561. This portrait may have been commissioned in conjunction with their marriage and was probably paired with a portrait of Joannes.

Joanna's sumptuous costume and jewelry are indicative of great wealth and high social standing: ermine sleeves, a heavy gold necklace and belt, a jeweled pendant, a gold-embroidered bonnet set with pearls and jewels, and no fewer than seven gold rings.