Georges-Eugène Haussmann (1809–1891) is depicted in this albumen silver carte-de-visite, seated in a three-quarter pose against a plain studio ground. The studio that produced the portrait, Mayer and Pierson on the Boulevard des Capucines, enjoyed the particular favor of Napoleon III and created numerous portraits of the French imperial family during the apex of the Second Empire. The mount's imprint identifies Pierson as sole proprietor of the Mayer and Pierson house and carries the designation "Photographes de S.M. l'Empereur," placing the sitting squarely within the Second Empire period.

Haussmann is shown in a dark frock coat worn over a matching waistcoat and light trousers, a large bow cravat at his collar, and a watch chain crossing the waistcoat front. His left hand rests on his knee holding a small dark notebook or memorandum book, while his right hand grips the coat's lapel. His expression is calm and composed, the face framed by dark hair and a full chin beard with cropped sideburns.

As Prefect of the Seine Department, Haussmann designed and led the transformation of Paris under the orders of Napoleon III between 1853 and 1870. During his administration, 71 miles of new roads, 400 miles of pavement, and 320 miles of sewers were added to Paris, 100,000 trees were planted, and housing, bridges, and public buildings were constructed, leaving a city that retains that character largely to the present day, and whose influence on urban planning has been felt in cities around the world.

The reverse bears the Mayer and Pierson crowned imperial eagle imprint with the address "Boulevard des Capucines, 3, Paris," the printed legend "Déposé / Garanti d'après nature" on the face, and a facsimile signature reading "Haussmann" printed below the studio imprint. Inscribed in pencil at the top of the reverse: "Baron Hausman (1809–1891)." Cataloger's notations in pencil at the lower edge read "ALOGFE" and "9/17/06," with "Eb" at the lower right.