In Peasant with Staff, Salvator Rosa depicts a solitary figure of a peasant standing in a rustic landscape. The colors are earthy, with browns and greens dominating the scene. The peasant, dressed in simple clothing, holds a staff, suggesting both humility and strength.

The background features a natural setting, enhancing the sense of rural life. The painting is executed in oil on canvas, a common medium for the Baroque period. Rosa's brushwork is expressive, capturing the texture of the peasant's clothing and the surrounding environment. The composition is balanced, with the figure placed slightly off-center to create a dynamic visual flow.

The use of light and shadow adds depth, emphasizing the figure against the landscape. Salvator Rosa was known for his dramatic landscapes and genre scenes, often reflecting the struggles of rural life. This work, created in the 1660s, showcases his ability to blend realism with a touch of romanticism. Interestingly, Rosa was also a poet and playwright, which influenced his artistic vision.

His works often convey a sense of melancholy, reflecting the hardships faced by the common people.