A three-quarter-length portrait to the left showing the sitter, full-face to the viewer. He wears admiral's ball dress, 1891, with the stars of the GCB, Grand Cordon of the Order of Osmerish and miniatures. He holds his sword in his left hand and has placed his right hand on his jacket. To his right is a table with some papers on it. The top one reads 'Naval Education 1902', which alludes to Admiral Fisher's enthusiasm for naval reform. He was also responsible for sweeping changes in naval policy and organization. His family crest has been included in the top right of the painting. The fact that Fisher is shown in ball dress also significant. He was unusual among naval and military men in having little interest in sport but was an enthusiastic and very good ballroom dancer, a skill he insisted on young officers learning and exercising.

The son of Charles West Cope RA, the artist was a prolific portrait painter with a successful society practice. From 1874 he attended the Royal Academy School and exhibited there throughout his career. He became an Academician in 1910, was knighted in 1917 and appointed KCVO in 1927. He also ran his own art school in South Kensington. The painting has been signed and dated 1902.