Born in 1784 in El Escorial, Fernando VII was Carlos IV eldest son by Maria Luisa. In 1815, after abolishing the Constitution, he reined as an absolute monarch. He appears wearing the symbols of his royal condition, with a purple, ermine-lined robe, and a scepter with the coat of arms of Castile and Leon in his right hand. The sash of the Order of Carlos III crosses his chest, and he also bears the Golden Fleece.

Some doubts and pentimenti revealed by x-rays indicate changes to the figure, which could suggest that Goya made this portrait in presence of the King, himself, as the facial expression and distrustful gaze —despite the vacuous smile on his lips— are rendered with admirable mastery worthy of a portrait made before a live model.