A standing man in elaborate dress dominates the center of the composition, his figure nearly life-size and turned slightly to the left, with his gaze directed outward and to the right. He wears a richly decorated silver doublet with gold embroidery, a broad lace collar, and vivid orange-red breeches and cloak, the latter draped over his left arm and cascading in heavy folds. His right hand rests on his hip, while his left hand holds a black hat at his side, its feathered trim just visible above a polished suit of armor lying on the ground.

The armor, placed at the lower left, includes a helmet and breastplate, suggesting martial achievement or status, and catches the light with a metallic sheen. Behind him, a heavy gold curtain with intricate patterns fills the right side of the background, its surface rendered with sweeping, textured brushstrokes that create a sense of depth and luxury. To the left, an open landscape recedes toward a distant, cloudy sky and a fleet of ships at sea, their sails and rigging faintly illuminated, hinting at naval power or command.

The light falls from the left, striking the man's face, collar, and the folds of his cloak, while the shadows deepen around his legs and the armor, enhancing the three-dimensional effect. The color scheme is dominated by the warm red-orange of the cloak and breeches, the cool silvery tones of the doublet and armor, and the golden brown of the curtain, all set against the muted blues and greys of the distant sea and sky. Details such as the delicate lace at the cuffs, the gold embroidery on the doublet, and the rosettes on his shoes are rendered with fine, precise brushwork, contrasting with the broader handling of the background and drapery.

The composition balances the vertical stance of the figure with the diagonal sweep of the cloak and the receding lines of the landscape, creating a sense of grandeur and presence. Portrait of Robert Rich, second earl of Warwick is painted by Anthony van Dyck, an artist associated with the Baroque movement.