Of all Velázquez’s buffoons, this is one of the most outstanding and striking, largely because of a spatial construction in which the absence of space favors reflection and concentration. The color is splendid, especially the manner in which the buffoon’s green suit and the ocher space around him contrast with the red and gold of his sleeveless robes and the silver on his suit sleeves and collar. Don Sebastián is known to have served the Cardinal-Infante in Flanders, returning to Spain when the latter died and entering Prince Baltasar Carlos’s service in 1643. He is said to be the small person that accompanies the latter in the painting depicting the prince’s riding lesson. In fact, Baltasar Carlos grew fond of him, and this is reflected in his will, which leaves him various weapons and two scallops. It has also been observed that the sumptuous clothing he wears in the present portrait may have been a gift from his lord. There has been considerable debate about the date of this work. It is thought to be from around 1645, and must certainly have been painted between 1643 and the sitter’s death in 1649. Velázquez brings into play the contrast between this small person’s grave, meditative and melancholy expression and the deformity of his nearly childlike body, causing viewers from several centuries to reflect upon his particular circumstances and the definition of the human condition (Text from Portús, J.: Velázquez. Guía, Museo del Prado, 1999, p. 170).