A young man stands upright, his left hand resting on his hip and his right hand hanging at his side, fingers gently curled. He wears a black satin doublet and breeches, accented by a broad, elaborate lace collar and cuffs that gleam white against the dark costume. A vivid red sash crosses his chest, providing a sharp contrast to the otherwise somber palette.

His face, softly illuminated, reveals a composed expression, with large eyes, a faint moustache, and long, curling hair that falls to his shoulders. The light falls from the left, catching the intricate folds of his lace and the sheen of his black garments, while the background recedes into shadow. To his right, a patch of sky and cloud appears through an opening, painted with a subtle gradation of blue and cream tones.

The lower part of the scene is filled with deep shadow, but leaves and stems are just visible at the left edge, suggesting a garden or terrace setting. His stockings are a muted green, and his shoes are adorned with large, dark rosettes, painted with delicate highlights that suggest their texture. The brushwork is smooth and controlled, especially in the rendering of the sitter’s face and hands, while the lace is built up with fine, precise strokes to create a sense of depth and pattern.

The composition is vertical and grand, with the figure dominating the space and set slightly off-center, lending a sense of movement and presence. Anthony van Dyck painted this portrait in 1638, depicting William Cavendish, 3rd Earl of Devonshire (1617-1684).