Henry Brown, identified by ink inscription on the mount recto as "Henry Brown Ex Arisman," is portrayed in a studio seated pose made by J. H. Hamilton of Pearl Street, Sioux City, Iowa, almost certainly during the 1870s or early 1880s when Hamilton was active at that address. The subject sits bare-chested, wearing a fabric headband, multiple strands of beaded or woven necklaces, and a large oval gorget or medal pendant at the chest. Both wrists carry braided or wrapped ornamental bands, and a woven sash is tied at the waist over loose trousers, combining traditional adornment with elements of non-Native dress.

The seated pose is direct and composed, with the subject facing the camera squarely and resting his hands in his lap while holding what appears to be a small bundle of plant material or fringe. The necklaces layer several strands of varying widths, and the gorget bears a faint engraved or embossed design at its center.

The inscription "Ex Arisman" likely refers to a specific role, affiliation, or place name associated with the subject, and Sioux City's location on the Missouri River made it a frequent hub for documentation of Native individuals from surrounding Plains and Great Lakes nations during this period.

The recto mount bears the cursive ink inscription "Henry Brown Ex Arisman" in a period hand; the verso carries the purple typeset imprint of J. H. Hamilton, Pearl St., Sioux City, Iowa.