In a courtly interior with an elaborate ceiling and statuary Andrew Mackie faces the viewer in refined formal dress. A stiff white collar and fine lace sleeve enliven his dark garments. He wears a skeleton key around his waist and a gold medallion around his neck. The medallion rests against his white shirt which is seen through a small opening in his black coat. Standing at a slight angle to the picture plane he places his right hand on his hip while his other hand grasps a decorative chair-arm in a self-conscious pose. An easel in the background alludes to Andrew's profession.