A single standing man dominates the centre of the composition, his body turned slightly to the viewer’s left and his feet planted wide apart on an undefined ochre ground. He wears a voluminous black garment with a high white ruff at the neck, his left hand gathering the cloak at his chest while his right arm extends outward in a dramatic gesture. The figure’s face is bearded and expressive, with dark hair framing his forehead and a direct, almost theatrical gaze.

The brushwork is visible in the textured surface of the background and in the subtle modelling of the face and hands, while the costume is rendered with broader, confident strokes that suggest the weight and movement of the fabric. Small adjustments in the contours of the left leg are visible, where the artist has reworked the shape, leaving traces of earlier outlines beneath the final paint layer. The composition directs attention to the sitter’s dramatic pose and gesture, with no distractions from props or furniture.

A faint shadow falls to the lower right of the figure, anchoring him to the ground and suggesting a light source from the upper left. The ochre background is subtly varied, with areas of lighter and darker tones blending softly together. No secondary figures or objects are visible anywhere in the composition.

The upper left and right corners of the painting show a slightly darker, more muted tone compared to the center. The edges of the figure’s cloak are crisply defined against the plain background, especially along the right arm and lower hem. There is a visible highlight on the man’s forehead and nose, emphasizing the direction of the light.

The man’s shoes are rendered in a deep black, with the left shoe showing a small, distinct buckle detail. The lower right edge of the cloak casts a soft, diffuse shadow onto the ground. The paint surface in the background shows loose, almost dry brushwork, especially near the top left corner.

The white ruff at the neck is painted with sharp, angular lines that contrast with the softer modelling of the face and hands.