A muscular man grapples with a powerful lion at the center of the scene, their bodies locked in a dramatic struggle. The man's arms are wrapped tightly around the lion's neck and head, his face pressed close to the animal's mane as he exerts his strength. The lion's mouth is open wide, baring its teeth and tongue in a snarl, its head twisted in resistance.

The man's back and shoulders are illuminated, the skin painted in warm flesh tones that contrast with the deep shadows enveloping much of the background. Bones and a skull are scattered on the ground in the lower left, hinting at the deadly nature of the confrontation. The background recedes into darkness behind the figures, while a rocky landscape and a patch of pale sky open up to the left, painted in lighter, cooler hues.

Vegetation and rocky outcrops are rendered with loose, energetic brushwork, providing a wild and untamed setting for the combat. The composition is tightly focused on the entwined bodies, with the forceful diagonals of limbs and tails creating a sense of movement and tension. The paint is handled with visible, expressive strokes, especially in the lion's mane and the man's flesh, adding texture and vitality to the scene.

The color palette is dominated by rich earth tones—ochres, browns, and muted greens—punctuated by the reddish and golden highlights on the figures. A dead spotted big cat lies sprawled beneath the man's right foot, its mouth hanging open and its body twisted on the ground. The lower left corner features a tangle of animal remains, including a ribcage and jawbone, partially obscured by shadow.

The background on the left side is filled with dense foliage and trees, painted with swift, textured brushstrokes that blend into rocky cliffs. Light strikes the man's upper back and shoulders, leaving his legs and the lion's body in deeper shadow, creating a strong contrast. The right and upper edges of the painting dissolve into darkness, with little detail visible beyond the central action.

The lion's fur is rendered with thick, swirling strokes of ochre and brown, while the man's musculature is outlined with bold, curving lines that emphasize his physical power.