Don José de Urrutria y de las Casas (1739-1809), was the only soldier of his day to reach the rank of Field Marshal without being a titled nobleman. He is shown wearing the Cross of Saint George which he received from Catharine of Russia for his actions at the siege of Ozaku (Crimea) in 1789. In 1798 he was removed from all public office due to differences with Manuel Godoy.

This portrait is one of the most penetrating psychological studies painted by Goya in his maturity. It was commissioned by the Duke and Duchess of Osuna and recalls works by Reynolds and other English portrait painters, whose work Goya probably knew through prints. Goya brings out the external symbols of his condition as a sodier —his uniform, decorations, staff and sword— but he also delves into the general's personality and psychology, full of dignity, hardness, decisiveness and a certain reserve.

The work is signed on a stone in the lower right corner.