The scene is captured on a sidewalk along Nevsky Prospekt, directly in front of Kazan Cathedral in Saint Petersburg, Russia, evidenced by the prominent neoclassical columns of the cathedral and a distant green-domed building with a cross

The scene is captured on a sidewalk along Nevsky Prospekt, directly in front of Kazan Cathedral in Saint Petersburg, Russia, evidenced by the prominent neoclassical columns of the cathedral and a distant green-domed building with a cross. An outdoor portrait artist, an older man with a grey beard dressed in a dark jacket and cap, is crouched, actively sketching a young woman with long dark hair who sits on a black folding stool. The artist holds a clipboard and drawing implements. A white sign affixed to a black metal fence near the artist displays "ВАШ ПОРТРЕТ" (YOUR PORTRAIT), "5-7" (minutes), and "ЗА 250" (for 250 [Rubles]). Several finished charcoal portraits are displayed on a small wheeled cart next to the artist. Three women observe the interaction. One woman, wearing a tan coat with leopard print pockets and collar, a light grey beanie, and light blue jeans, holds a coffee cup. Another woman, partially obscured, wears a dark hooded jacket. The third woman, with blonde hair, wears a long dark grey coat and tan shoes, holding a dark handbag. The environment is characterized by an overcast sky, bare deciduous trees beyond the fence, and a paved sidewalk. The ground exhibits muddy patches and puddles, one of which clearly reflects the Greek key pattern of the black metal fence. Scattered cigarette butts are visible on the wet ground. A portion of a person's leg in light blue jeans is visible in the extreme left foreground.