The work is listed in the 1600 inventory of Madrid's Alcazar Palace as “Pejerón, the madman of the Count of Benavente, with white stockings and jerkin and a deck of cards in his right hand”. It was kept in the Treasure House.

Mor probably made this work during his last visit to Spain in 1559. The jester appears full-length, standing, with a dark background and no spatial references. As he occupies all available space in the foreground, it is difficult to know his true height. He is sumptuously dressed in courtly clothing, and only his large head, short legs and deformed hand —the cards it holds symbolize leisure— bear witness to his condition and occupation, “the art of jest”.