The engraving features the upper half of a man's body, from the chest upwards. He faces slightly to the right but looks directly at the viewer with a calm expression. His facial features include a pronounced forehead, defined eyebrows, and a straight nose. His hair is styled back with curls at the sides. He wears a formal coat, vest, white shirt, and collar. No jewelry is visible. The portrait is within an oval frame, and below is a rectangular block engraved with "J.J. ROUSSEAU." The background is a plain shape around the oval frame.