A man with powdered white hair stands against a deep, nearly black background, his figure emerging in sharp contrast from the darkness. He wears a high-collared dark coat with broad lapels, its surface rendered in loose, visible brushstrokes that catch the light and suggest the sheen of fine fabric. His waistcoat is pale and glossy, tightly buttoned and highlighted by the artist’s swift, almost sketch-like handling of white paint, which gives a sense of texture and volume to the garment.

A white cravat, knotted at the neck, adds a further accent of brightness at the center of the composition, drawing attention to the sitter’s face. His face is turned slightly to his left, showing a calm, composed expression with a faint smile and rosy cheeks, the modeling of the flesh tones soft and naturalistic. The sitter’s right hand holds a letter or document inscribed with text, while his left hand, resting on a cane, is painted with broad, purplish strokes that echo the shadows of his coat.

The background is entirely dark, with no visible setting or furniture, focusing all attention on the figure and enhancing the sense of presence and formality. The composition is tightly framed, with the upper body filling most of the canvas and the head placed just left of center, lending a sense of immediacy and intimacy to the portrait. The paint surface varies from the smooth, blended treatment of the face to the more vigorous, expressive brushwork in the clothing and hands, revealing the artist’s confident technique.

The palette is restrained, dominated by blacks, whites, and subtle flesh tones, with small touches of red in the cheeks and lips providing warmth. The portrait depicts Pedro Téllez-Girón, the 9th Duke of Osuna, whose name and title are given in the work’s title and museum records.