The figure of the Roman, with laurel leaves in his hair, sits naked upon his horse. In one hand is a shield, in the other a weapon. He is leaning up on his horse and the horse is rearing, as if they are about to attack. The Roman and his horse are sketched in ink and a light color has been added to give them substance. The light use of color means that the crude outline of the two forms shows through clearly and Dalí's draftsman techniques can be observed. The rear of the horse and the arms of the Roman are formed by circles and ovals that build up the body shape when placed together. Dalí used a similar technique for the figures of St. George and his horse St. George Tuant le Dragon (c. 1942).
    The horse and rider were a repetitive image in Dalí's work, they often appear in the background as minor details to a painting. In Roman Cavalier in Spain, the background is a rocky Spanish bay. The rocks have been left in the same basic form as the Roman and his horse; so that their triangular structure is plain to see.