In right and centre foreground is a rectangular table covered with a cloth. On the table are objects including a glass of water on a tray, an inkwell with quill, a book or books and two small circular weights. A man sits at the table, to left. He is bald with some hair above his visible ear and wears spectacles, a light-coloured coat open over a darker waistcoat, and a white collar visible at the neck. He is reading a document, which he holds open in both hands. To his left is a door.