The subject of this portrait is rendered with a compelling contrast; the light, illuminating the face and the crisp white of his shirt, sharply opposes the dark, enveloping background and the somber tones of his attire. The artist's deft hand is evident in the way the light plays across the subject's face, highlighting the planes and contours, and suggesting a hint of a smile playing on his lips. The composition, a three-quarter-length view, places the figure centrally, with the dark void behind him creating a dramatic spotlight effect. His hands, one delicately holding a small paper, the other resting, suggest a thoughtful pause, a moment of consideration.