It is a forceful yet subdued portrait and Sargent does little editorializing, letting the disposition of the subject and his artifacts speak for themselves. Although hard to discern in the image provided, there are books on the table to Higginson's right and an officer's coat is draped across his lap. A highlighted saber scar on the right cheek commemorates a war wound. The face is as much a reflection of the past as it is of the moment. Above all it is a very human work and shows the dignity that can and should accompany old age.