A striking portrait of a commanding woman, her gaze steady and piercing, her eyes deep and enigmatic, posed in an elegantly tailored, Gothic-inspired gown made of rich, dark velvet and intricate lace. The gown is adorned with sharp, geometric angles, elaborate silver clasps, and cascading layers of midnight fabric. She wears an imposing, pointed hat with delicate veiling, her dark hair meticulously styled in a sleek, tight updo. In her hand, she grasps a slender, ornate scepter of silver, her expression one of resolute authority. The backdrop features a tumultuous, swirling sky and soaring Gothic spires, accentuating the dramatic and powerful essence of the portrait.