The image depicts Butler Library at Columbia University, located in Morningside Heights, Manhattan, New York City, United States. The scene is observed on an overcast day. In the foreground, a light-colored, rough-hewn stone pedestal or barrier is partially visible on the lower-left, with a dark metal railing descending alongside it. Directly behind this, two tall, dark green coniferous trees are prominent. To the right of the trees, a well-maintained green lawn, bordered by low, trimmed dark green hedges, extends towards the main building. A light-colored pathway transitions to a red brick pathway on the lower-right. A tall flagpole stands on the lawn, displaying a red rectangular flag. The central subject is Butler Library, a large, multi-story Neo-Classical building constructed of light-colored stone. Its prominent facade features a long colonnade of dark, fluted columns. Above these columns, an inscription is visible. Numerous rectangular windows are present on the building's various levels. Below the columns, several indistinct individuals are gathered on steps and the plaza in front of the building's main entrance. To the left and slightly behind Butler Library, another multi-story brick building with a distinct green-colored roof is partially visible.