This scene is a satire of greed, as a vice particularly pronounced among the elderly, who not even having much time to spend money nevertheless go to great pains to keep it. It is sometimes interpreted as a common custom among older priest, who would pocket the assets of the faithful. It has also been as a criticism of carnal lust, given the bags´ resemblance to the male genitals. What is certain is that mockery of the young men laughing behind him stands out over the old man´s suffering.

Matilla Rodríguez, José Manuel, Ligereza y atrevimiento. Dibujos de Goya, Santander, Fundación Botín, 2017, p.81 n.38; 176 n.38