A full-length tintype portrait depicts an unidentified man posed in a patriotic costume against an elaborately painted landscape backdrop featuring rolling hills, trees, and clouded skies. The format and painted scenic prop, including a low stone balustrade at left, are consistent with studio portrait conventions of the 1870s to 1890s. No photographer's imprint is visible.

The subject stands erect, wearing a loosely fitted sack coat over a striped waistcoat and boldly striped trousers. A ruffled or floral garland encircles his neck, and he holds a small handheld American flag with visible stripes rested against his left shoulder. His hair is slicked back, his expression is direct and composed, and his left hand rests at his side.

The patriotic ensemble, combining the striped trousers, flag prop, and neck decoration, suggests the sitter was costumed for a patriotic occasion, celebration, or theatrical presentation evoking a Uncle Sam character type, a popular motif in American vernacular photography of the late nineteenth century.