The image shows a man in a three-quarter view from the waist up. He is leaning forward and towards the side, reaching with his left hand towards a book on a table while his right hand holds the neck of a large string instrument, likely a cello or double bass. He has a full beard, his facial features are partially obscured as he looks down at the book, and his hair is neatly combed back. He is wearing a loose, long-sleeved shirt and the scene is monochromatic, in an etching style. The background is simple, focusing on the man and the objects in the foreground.