Its subject is the dwarf Don Diego de Acedo, known as "el Primo" (the Cousin).

Velázquez painted a series of portraits of dwarfs and jesters of the court of Philip IV, depicted with realism and respect.

The portraits were intended to be displayed in the king's hunting lodge, the Torre de la Parada.

Don Diego de Acedo was a figure of fun whose physical deformity provided entertainment for the court.

The eyes, high forehead and attitude of the model conveys a sense of his intelligence.