the main subject of the painting, a blood-smeared nude woman, is seen lying on a couch. the assassin of the painting's title, a well-dressed man, stands ready to leave, his coat and hat on a chair next to his bag. he is however delayed by the sound of music, and in an unhurriedly relaxed manner, listens to a gramophone. in the meantime, two men armed with club and net wait in the foyer to ensnare him, as three more men also watch from over the balcony.