The painting captures a single figure looking pensive whilst he sits besides a desk. Several books are placed on the table besides him in order to underline his intelligence and interest in study. We can then find some drawings behind him on the wall, all mathematical. The desk is perhaps deliberately reduced in size by the artist compared to how it would have been in real life and the whole composition feels cramped, just as Rivera would have intended. This use of spacial composition is added to by the darkened colour scheme, with strong shadows and dark clothing. The mathematician looks solemn and he stares downwards. His arms are crossed in a negative manner and his clothing is equally devoid of happiness or personal expression. One can imagine this individual to be devoted to his profession, with little time or interest in perfecting his own appearance. One might suggest that he represents the polar opposite of the artist himself, something that makes this paintings particularly intriguing.