The image features an upper-body portrait of a man facing left in a side profile position. He has prominent facial features, including a pronounced nose, a full mustache and beard. His hair is short and possibly styled or covered by a laurel wreath. He is wearing elaborate armor with a decorative bow on his shoulder. The background consists of parallel lines and shading, and an oval frame encloses the portrait. Inscriptions on the frame identify him as "CAROLVS IX" and include other Latin text. Handwritten script at the bottom provides further details about his identity.