Until death

An ugly, skinny old woman sits in front of a dressing table preening herself in front of a mirror that reflects a deformed image of which she does not seem to be aware. She is trying on a floral headdress, known as a caramba, which was very fashionable at the time. In addition, Goya has depicted various bottles on her dressing table, possibly containing substances used to prolong youth. Next to her, a young maiden leans on the dressing table and covers her mouth with a handkerchief in an attempt to stifle her laughter. In the background, two young foppets accompany her, one looking at the ceiling, the other trying hard to conceal his smile at the ridiculousness of the scene.

The old woman, the mirror and the face of her maid are intensely illuminated by means of a few reserves of varnish and the use of the burnisher, with which the half-tones are achieved.

All three manuscripts agree that Goya is criticising those who are unable to accept the passage of time and strive vainly to remain young. This is the situation of the 75-year-old woman in the present painting, who is primping before the arrival of her friends. It is also suggested that this could be a satire on the Duchess of Osuna, about whom the manuscript in the National Library says: "(...) this is a certain Duchess (of Osuna) who fills her head with bows and carambas, and no matter how badly they fall, there is no lack of chitons of those that the maids come to catch, who assure Her Excellency that she is divine".