A man gazes directly outward, his face softly illuminated against a muted background, wearing a dark cap edged with a subtle gold band. His curly hair emerges from beneath the cap, framing a face marked by careful attention to the play of light and shadow across his cheeks, nose, and brow. He is draped in a heavy, dark garment trimmed with fur, which catches the light in delicate highlights, and two gold chains rest across his shoulders, one held lightly between the thumb and forefinger of his right hand.

The background is painted in a cool, even tone, with the upper edge forming a gentle arch that echoes the curve of the sitter’s head and shoulders, while the surface shows visible brushwork and subtle variations in texture. No secondary figures or objects are visible in the composition; only the central figure is present. Light falls most strongly on the left side of the man's face and forehead, leaving his right cheek and neck in partial shadow.

The man's lips are slightly parted, and his mustache and sparse beard are painted with short, soft strokes. Hints of deep red and brown are visible in the shadows of the fur garment, adding warmth to the otherwise dark tones. The lower left and right corners of the painting are darker and less defined, with the paint becoming almost indistinguishable from the background.

Fine lines of gold in the chains catch the light, creating small, bright highlights against the dark fur. The work is a self-portrait, depicting Rembrandt himself, and is painted on an oak panel using oil paint.