Goya portrays himself on a neutral background. Elegantly dressed, he sits in front of his easel and looks directly at the viewer.

This is one of the most intimate images Goya painted of himself, and he appears caught up in the creative process, concentrated, with an inquisitive gaze and mussed hair.

This work comes from Tomás de Bertganza, the Duchess of Alba's butler. It was acquired by the Prado Museum in 1995 with funds from the Villaescusa legacy.