The image depicts a portrait of a man named Napier of Merchiston. He is portrayed facing slightly to his left within an ornate oval frame decorated with leaves and botanical designs. His facial features include a well-groomed beard and mustache, dark eyes, and dark hair covered by a cap. He wears a dark coat with a high, wide collar, possibly made of luxurious material. Beneath the frame, there is a family crest and an inscription highlighting Napier of Merchiston's role in inventing logarithms. The background is plain, with a symbolic depiction of a single eye surrounded by rays at the top. The paper appears aged and textured.