King Umberto I of Italy is presented here in a bust-length oval portrait on an albumen carte de visite, photographed by Fratelli Alinari of Florence. The image dates to circa 1870, consistent with the subject's age and the studio's active CDV production in that period, predating his accession to the throne in 1878. Fratelli Alinari, founded in Florence in 1852, is one of the world's oldest photographic firms.

The subject wears a dark military tunic with a high standing collar trimmed in light braid, epaulettes with heavy fringe, and a broad patterned sash crossing his chest. Multiple orders and decorations are prominently displayed on the left breast, including a large starburst insignia and a cross pendant suspended on a ribbon. His thick dark mustache and swept, slightly curled hair are consistent with known portraits of Umberto I from the same era.

The son of Victor Emmanuel II, Umberto took part in the Italian Wars of Independence as a commander of the Royal Sardinian Army, and his military bearing and decorative orders in this portrait reflect his lifelong identification with the Italian armed forces. He would go on to reign as King of Italy from 9 January 1878 until his assassination in 1900.

The studio imprint "Fratelli Alinari Firenze" appears in small lettering at the lower center of the mount face.