The child Maria de la Luz, a daughter of slaves, was emancipated in January 1796 in the Duchess of Alba´s will as a gesture of generosity and grandeur. The drawing shows the affection shown for her by the duchess, who also donated money and left annual income to the girl in her will. The lady is recognizable by her wavy black hair and well-defined eyebrows, as well as by the maternal way she holds the girl in her arms.

Matilla Rodríguez, José Manuel, Ligereza y atrevimiento. Dibujos de Goya, Santander, Fundación Botín, 2017, p.63 n.25B; 170 n.25B