The subject matter depicts four medieval figures in close format frontal view. The figures are pushed forward toward the viewer and engulf the entire canvas. Given their medieval attire and their apparent disposition, it is widely thought that these four figures are the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

The Cynics is unlike any other works by Williams both in artistic merit and subject matter. When comparing this work to his later pieces, drastic differences begin to emerge. The subject matter is non-automotive, devoid of women, and it lacks the overall edginess that one associates with Williams' name. There are no bright vivid colors; instead, we see an uncharacteristically dark and muted palette. Williams has also applied thick layers of paint that add a moving texture to the canvas and the painting like Williams' later Zombie Mystery Paintings.

Although Williams characteristically uses multiple layers of paint in his works, here the paint and brush strokes are thick and applied loosely across the canvas, void of detail. A thick impasto is created on the canvas, and is something not often associated with his work. As opposed to his later piece, Pachuco Cross, where great attention is paid to detail, the paint and brush stokes are thin and blend into one another. There is no build up of paint to disturb the glossy texture of the piece. A truly amazing piece, The Cynics shows the progression that Williams makes in later years in both artistic skill and subject matter. The piece is in overall good condition, however there is some cracking and paint loss in the image (see white areas). Signed lower right.