A man stands full-length, facing forward, dressed in a richly embroidered brown costume with silver decoration that catches the light in intricate patterns. His right hand, gloved in brown, holds a folded paper or letter, while his left hand rests on the hilt of a sword, just beside a table draped in a deep red cloth. The figure wears a short black cape over his shoulders, which falls behind him and partly blends into the dark background on the right.

A broad, stiff white ruff frames his neck, and his sleeves are decorated with silver embroidery that matches the main suit, with white lace at the cuffs. His face is pale and framed by reddish-blond hair, parted at the center, and he sports a thin mustache and a small pointed beard. He gazes out with a composed, slightly distant expression, his head turned subtly to his left.

A gold chain bearing the insignia of the Order of the Golden Fleece hangs around his neck, marking his high status. Behind him, a large, dark red drapery sweeps diagonally across the background, creating a dramatic contrast with the lighter tones of his face and legs. The brushwork is lively and visible, especially in the highlights of the costume, where small, rapid strokes create the effect of shimmering silver.

The composition is carefully balanced, with the figure placed slightly off-center, his legs apart and feet firmly planted on the ground, giving a sense of stability and presence. On the table to his left, a plumed hat rests, its dark feathers blending into the shadows, while the table's edge is sharply defined in the foreground. The painting is known as Philip IV in Brown and Silver, created by Diego Velázquez around 1631–1632. The subject is Philip IV of Spain, depicted here in a rare departure from his usual black attire, instead shown in a brown and silver suit that gives the portrait its name.