A portrait of General Ernest Courtot de Cissey (1810–1882), one of the most consequential French military figures of the mid-to-late nineteenth century, presented as a carte-de-visite albumen print. The photograph was made by Emile Lucien Bondonneau, who operated at 10, boulevard Montmartre in Paris and 213 Regent Street in London, having acquired the studio from the Polish-born photographer Alexandre Ken. The oval vignette format and the plainly printed subject credit on the recto are consistent with French portrait practice of the 1860s to mid-1870s.

De Cissey appears in a dark frock coat worn over a buttoned waistcoat, with a crisp white collar and a small bow tie beneath his chin. His expression is composed and direct, his graying hair swept back from a broad forehead, and he wears a full mustache with a small chin tuft. A small decorative element, consistent with a medal or order pin, is visible on his left lapel.

De Cissey served as a French general and Prime Minister. He took part as a colonel in the Crimean War, and after the battle of Inkerman received the rank of general of brigade. A deputy to the National Assembly in 1871, he served four times as Minister of War between 1871 and 1876, contributing to the reorganization of the French army.

The recto of the mount bears the printed credit "EMILE BONDONNEAU." The reverse carries the printed imprint "Photographie E. Bondonneau, Suc.r de Ken, Peinture & Miniature" (Photography E. Bondonneau, Successor to Ken, Painting & Miniature), with addresses at Paris, 10 B.rt Montmartre, and Londres, 213 Regent Street, W. An ink inscription in period hand reads "Gal de Cissey" (General de Cissey).