William Franklin is shown in a portrait to the waist, seated at an oblique angle, his left shoulder forward. His head is turned toward his left side slightly to present a three-quarter facial view. His complexion is warm. He appears to have natural hair powdered, rather than to be wearing a wig. His hair is curled to stand away from his head, and is gathered at the base of his neck, apparently with a heavy black ribbon. He is dressed formally. His coat is of forest green with a standing collar and lapel reverses of figured gold. It is fastened by large, flat metal buttons. A white stock and cravat are visible at the coat's neck. There is the suggestion of a chair back upholstered in deep red behind him. The background is an undifferentiated dark brown.

Portrait of Franklin's first, illegitimate son, raised by Franklin and his wife Deborah