The painting was formerly in the collection of Goya's grandson, Mariano, and before it was relined the canvas was inscribed on the back: 'El celebre ciego fijo' ('The famous blind man'). The sitter was identified as a well-known beggar who used to sit on the steps of the church of San Felipe el Real in Madrid, and was invited to play the guitar and sing in the houses of members of the court.

Goya creates a vivid impression of the blind eyes and jovial expression of the old man in a style close to that of the 'black paintings'. At the same time it is remarkably similar to the manner of Velazquez in his portrayal of the facial expressions of court dwarfs.