A young man stands tall in front of a grand stone column, his body turned slightly to the left while his gaze meets the viewer directly. He wears a black doublet with dramatic white slashes at the sleeves, a crisp white collar, and a broad blue sash draped diagonally across his chest. His right hand rests on his hip, partly concealed by a voluminous black cloak that falls over his arm and shoulder, while his left hand hangs relaxed at his side.

The sitter’s long, light brown hair frames a pale, composed face, and his lips are set in a subtle, almost enigmatic expression. Behind him, the warm, textured surface of the column contrasts with the deep, shadowy background that envelops much of the lower half of the painting. Light falls from the left, illuminating his face, collar, and the blue sash, while the rest of his figure recedes into darkness, creating a striking sense of depth.

The brushwork is smooth and controlled in the rendering of the face and hands, while broader, looser strokes define the cloak and background, giving a sense of softness and atmosphere. The composition is carefully balanced, with the upright figure set against the vertical column and the sweeping curve of the cloak echoing the gilded frame. Portrait of James Stewart, 1st Duke of Richmond, 4th Duke of Lennox (1612-1655) was painted by Anthony van Dyck in 1638. The painting depicts James Stewart, who held the titles of 1st Duke of Richmond and 4th Duke of Lennox. The date of the painting is given as 1638, with some sources placing its creation between circa 1638 and circa 1660.