The image is a monochrome etching of a cityscape seen from an elevated viewpoint. The horizon is not prominently visible, but the vantage point shows numerous buildings arranged in tiers, receding into the distance. Closest to us are dilapidated structures and remnants of construction materials with small figures walking amongst them. Further back, there are various buildings with different architectural styles leading to a prominent building with a clock tower. The sky is filled with steam or smoke plumes suggesting industrial activity, and in the background are more buildings and faint outlines of structural frameworks. The technique used includes loose and sketchy brushstrokes, giving the image a raw, unfinished quality, with thin, dark lines capturing details and textures profoundly against the white paper.