The image depicts a man from the chest up, facing forward. He is in a three-quarter view, looking slightly to the left. The man has a somber expression, with prominent eyes and a straight nose. His hair is styled in a long, wavy manner and covers his ears, reaching the nape of his neck. He is wearing a dark coat with a high collar and a white cravat tied around his neck. The background is plain. Below the portrait, text identifies the man as John Martin, Pastor of the Church Meeting at Keppel Street, London. The portrait is labeled as painted and engraved by I. Basire in 1817.