The sketch features a nude figure of an executioner, poised with an axe in one hand and a stone in the other. The colors are muted, primarily using shades of brown and gray, which adds a somber tone to the work. The figure is depicted in a dynamic pose, suggesting movement and tension.

The background is minimal, focusing attention on the figure and its grim tools. This work is a drawing on paper, showcasing the artist's skill in capturing the human form. The lines are precise, and the shading is done with a delicate touch, enhancing the three-dimensionality of the figure. The sketch is likely preparatory for a larger work, specifically the painting ‘Martyrdom of St.

Matthias’. Viewers can appreciate the anatomical accuracy and the emotional weight conveyed through the figure's stance. Józef Simmler was a Polish artist known for his academic style and focus on the human figure. This sketch serves as a study for a more significant religious painting, reflecting Simmler's interest in martyrdom themes.

An interesting fact about this work is that it combines elements of both drawing and painting, illustrating the artist's versatility. The connection to St. Matthias highlights the narrative depth present in Simmler's oeuvre.