A woman and two boys have brought their jugs to the fountain for water. A house in the background indicates that there is a village nearby.

Romantic critics gave this painting its name, although nothing in the figures' clothing suggest poverty. The young mother's shawl, red stockings and black shoes with silver buckles indicate that she is a wealthy peasant. She looks with sweet understanding at her youngest son, who cries angrily, perhaps because, unlike his older brother, he has not been allowed to carry one of the jugs.

This cartoon was for one of the tapestries intended for the Prince of Asturias' dining room at the El Pardo Palace.