The Goldfinch is considered one of the most famous bird depictions in art history. The work depicts a small bird with its leg chained against a slightly damaged white wall, emphasizing the contrast of black, yellow, and red colors.

The artist, Carel Fabritius, utilized loose, visible brushstrokes while being sparing with color and detail to capture the play of light and shade, the bird's beady eye, and its shadow on the wall.

Fabritius was a highly talented contemporary of Vermeer and one of Rembrandt's most promising students, though his painting career was relatively short.