The image displays an upper-body portrait of a man seated and facing slightly to his right. He has distinct facial features with a defined face and deep-set eyes. His hair is curly, falling to his shoulders. He is dressed in a dark garment with a wide collar. The background features an ornamental frame with interlocking laurel leaves, centered around the man's head and shoulders. The image has a textured, engraved appearance. The lower portion contains a script identifying the subject as "Learned Antiquary John Selden," with the artist's signature underneath.