The image shows three figures in full view: two men and one boy. The man on the left is slightly hunched forward, with his hands together, while the central man stands with one hand in his pocket and the other holding the boy's hand. The boy stands facing forward, holding a stack of books in his right hand. The man on the left has a prominent nose and chin, and he wears glasses and a tall black top hat. His hair is not visible under the hat. The central man has a large nose and a concerned expression, his hair is also covered by a tall black top hat. The boy has a mop of curly hair and facial features that suggest an expression of disapproval or discontent. All three are dressed in 19th-century clothing. The man on the left wears a long coat that reaches his knees, with pinstriped trousers and boots. The central man wears a dark jacket and trousers with a vest, and the boy wears a matching dark suit with a vest and bow tie. The background depicts an urban setting with suggestions of building facades sketched against the wall, and the ground is flat with slight shading suggesting shadows.