A close-up of a bearded man with a white collar against a dark background
The painting is a head-and-shoulders portrait of a man, positioned slightly off-center to the right, against a dark, unadorned background. The man's head is turned slightly to his right, and his gaze is directed forward, slightly past the viewer. He has light skin with rosy cheeks and a prominent, dark brown beard that covers his chin and jawline, connecting to his sideburns. His hair, also dark brown, is receding at the temples and appears somewhat thin on top. His eyes are dark, and his nose is straight. His lips are closed, forming a neutral expression. He wears a dark jacket or coat, visible over his shoulders and chest, with a crisp white shirt collar that stands up and folds over, contrasting sharply with the dark fabric. The brushstrokes are visible, particularly in the texture of the beard and the highlights on the collar. The lighting comes from the upper left, casting subtle shadows on the right side of his face and neck. The overall palette is subdued, dominated by dark browns, blacks, and the lighter tones of the man's skin and collar.