The famous Flemish painter is portrayed almost full-length, sitting in a chair and wearing red robes and a fur coat. This landscape painter and contemporary of Van Dyck had no left arm, which is clearly shown, rather than hidden, in this portrait.

In keeping with the Northern tradition of portraiture established by Anthonis Mor (1519-1576) and Adriaen Willem Key (1515/1520 - 1568), Van Dyck places the sitter on a deep black background and successfully uses light, color and the frontal composition to render a magnificent psychological portrait. There is also evidence of Titian's (Ca. 1485-1576) influence, especially in the use of color and the sitter's posture.

This work was probably painted before Van Dyck traveled to England. It belonged to his sister and was listed among the paintings at Madrid's Alcázar Palace in 1666.