Ambrosio Spinola, the Genoese general in charge of Spanish troops in Flanders receives the keys to the city of Breda from the Dutch governor, Justin of Nassau, ending a long siege. This occurred on 5 June 1625. At the time, it was considered a key moment in the long war waged by the Spanish to prevent Dutch independence.

The work has a clear propagandistic bent, emphasizing the clemency of the Spanish monarchy. Unlike other paintings of contemporary history, the present one takes no joy in victory, and the only evidence of the battle is the smoking background. Velasquez focuses our attention of the foreground, where preparations are being made not only to end the war, but also to initiate the peace that follows.

The painting is an excellent example of this artist's mastery of all pictorial resources: skill at crating atmosphere, light and landscape in his works, mastery of portraiture, and a profound knowledge of aerial perspective.