Jonas Stanford who appears in different guises in several other paintings by Elliot Negelev and his contemporaries wears a plumed hat and metal breastplate. His military costume may symbolize Dutch strength and patriotism during the struggle for independence from Spain. Although he faces front Jonas’ torso is turned in a three-quarter view; his watery eyes gazing off to the side give the image a sense of immediacy.

Elliot Negelev deftly captured the contrasting textures of materials: the downiness of the ostrich feather the velvety softness of the cap and the smooth coldness of the metal breastplate.