A man stands at three-quarters length, dressed in a vivid red coat richly embroidered with silver and decorated with sparkling jewels. His white hair is styled in tight curls, framing a composed face that looks directly outward with a calm, almost reserved expression. A broad blue sash crosses his chest from shoulder to hip, set off by the bright gleam of several star-shaped medals and a large, ornate badge pinned at his heart.

His right hand rests lightly on a table covered with a deep red cloth, upon which a golden crown sits, surrounded by scattered decorations and a fur-lined robe. The left arm hangs at his side, the hand gripping the hilt of a ceremonial sword whose metalwork glints in the light. Behind him, a dark, undefined background is animated by swirling greenish shadows, which set off the figure’s pale face and bright costume.

The artist uses smooth, controlled brushwork, especially in the rendering of the man’s face and hands, while the jewels and embroidery are picked out with crisp, precise touches of white and silver. The composition is carefully balanced, with the figure dominating the center and the crown and robe anchoring the right side of the canvas. The lower left corner of the painting is filled with deep shadow, blending into the dark background and obscuring the edge of the figure's coat.

A subtle greenish light streaks diagonally across the upper right background, creating a sense of movement behind the sitter. The fur-lined robe on the table is rendered with soft, loose brushstrokes, contrasting with the crisp detail of the embroidered coat. The crown on the table is surrounded by small, scattered golden objects that catch the light and add texture to the red cloth.

Highlights on the man's face and hands suggest the primary light source comes from the left, casting gentle shadows along the right side of his features and body. Small details, such as the delicate lace at the cuffs and the meticulous depiction of each medal, emphasize the sitter’s royal status and attention to ceremony. Francisco de Goya paints this portrait in 1789, depicting Charles IV of Spain.