The drawing shows a portrait of the first German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck in three-quarter profile looking to the left. The bust portrait sketched out the collar and shoulder pieces of a uniform, while the head is entirely elaborated and emphasises Bismarck's characteristic physiognomy. The picture support serves as a background for the drawing.
The work is signed and dated "Aux le 1877 Fr. Lenbach" on the lower right.
The following indications can be taken from the reverse: in white "Li" (unidentified); in blue grease crayon "2582" ( Mü-No.); white label outlined in blue with perforated border "1713/956" (Linz-No.); white label attached with drawing pin "2582 (1713)" (Mü-No., Linz-No.).
