Young violinist poses in three-quarter view, captured mid-performance with his chin resting firmly on the instrument. His intense gaze and upright posture suggest a sitter deeply invested in his music, perhaps a student or professional musician working in Philadelphia during the 1850s. The clarity of the image emphasizes the details of the bow hold and violin fingerboard, giving it particular value to collectors of early musical portraiture.

Housed in a full leather case embossed with an eagle motif and lined in velvet, the mat is stamped "Ennis Gallery 106 Chestnut Street Philadelphia," placing the work within one of the city's notable daguerreotype studios. Musical occupational portraits in this medium are notably scarce, especially with such a strong and expressive composition.