Sir David Brewster is depicted in this albumen carte-de-visite produced by McLean and Co, Photographers and Miniature Painters, operating from 7 Haymarket, London. The portrait presents Brewster in a bust-length, three-quarter pose against a plain light ground, consistent with studio portrait conventions of the early 1860s. His age places the photograph within the final years of his life before his death in 1868.

Brewster wears a dark frock coat over a waistcoat, with a voluminous dark silk cravat loosely draped and secured at the chest with a small pin. His white hair sweeps broadly to either side, and his expression is composed and direct, conveying the gravity associated with a figure of his scientific stature.

Sir David Brewster (1781-1868) was a Scottish physicist and natural philosopher best known for his contributions to optics, including the invention of the kaleidoscope and his pivotal role in developing the lenticular stereoscope, which transformed popular photography. He was knighted in 1832 and served as Principal of the University of Edinburgh from 1859 until his death.

The subject's name appears in ink script on the front mount below the image and again in handwriting on the reverse. The reverse also bears the imprint of Messrs Templeton Lucas and Wm H Tuck as licensees for Pouncy's Patent Process, along with the notation "90" in pencil.