The subject gazes out with a thoughtful, almost melancholy air. The artist's masterful use of chiaroscuro immediately draws the eye—a rich, dark background contrasts sharply with the sitter's face and hands, highlighting their features. He is dressed in a dark coat, casually open to reveal a splash of scarlet from a sash tied around his waist and the red lining under his white collared shirt. This bold use of color is typical of the era. The brushstrokes seem free and confident, conveying a sense of both intimacy and distance. There's a slight hesitancy, a hint of introspection in his expression that makes you wonder about the man's thoughts and inner life.