This scene of a young man blowing on burning embers was already developed by El Greco in Italy. Here, the motif is complicated by a mischievous young man and a monkey. This possible allegory of sexual desire may also be inspired by a classical work that was often used at that time, Pliny the Elder's Natural History.

The lighting effects and color contrasts show how the Bassano influenced El Greco, who may have seen their work in Venice.