The image is an engraved portrait showing the upper half of a man identified as Francis Bacon, Viscount St Alban. He is standing with his body turned slightly, looking towards the viewer. He has a well-groomed face with a short beard and mustache, wearing a dark, wide-brimmed hat above his wavy hair. He is dressed in an intricately decorated overcoat with embroidered patterns, a lace ruff collar, and is holding a letter in his left hand. The background features draped curtains, and the paper shows signs of aging and discoloration.