The image depicts a portrait of a man's upper body, including his head, shoulders, and part of his chest. He is in a three-quarter position, facing slightly to the right. The man has a high forehead, arched eyebrows, and deep-set eyes, with a prominent mustache and a full, thick beard covering his jawline and chin. His hair is wavy and of medium length, falling to just above his shoulders. He is wearing a suit of armor detailed with rivets and overlapping plates, as well as a diagonal sash. The background features a dark pattern. Text at the bottom of the image identifies him as "Robert Deuereux Earle of Essex" and includes the artist's signature, "W. Dolle F."