Henry W. Houston

Elias V. Coe

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a man depicted from the waist up, holding surveying instruments in his hands. He is positioned facing slightly to the left while looking directly at the viewer. His facial features are distinct with a straight nose, thin lips, and light complexion, and his hair is short and dark, neatly combed back. He is dressed in formal attire consisting of a black suit with a white shirt and a black necktie. The man is holding a yellow ruler-like tool in one hand while the other hand holds a compass. Behind him, there is a surveyor's transit on a tripod. The background includes a tree with lush green leaves and a partially cloudy sky.