Portrait of a Young Woman (Retrato de mujer joven)

It is often suggested that the subject of this portrait was Victoria Silvela, daughter of Manuel Silvela, a close friend of Moratín and an influential Spaniard in Bordeaux, whom Goya also painted. Núñez de Arenas has suggested, however, that the sitter was actually Madame Pons, a French woman belonging to Bordeaux high society, whom Goya is said to have painted.

This bust portrait is executed in dark tones, as was habitual in Goya's work during these years. The model has a refined beauty. She is dressed elegantly but simply, her only adornments being a pair of pearl earrings, which are clearly visible since she is wearing her hair up, revealing her neck. Her dress is rendered very sketchily, so much so in fact that the skin of her neck almost blends into the fabric, which in turn melts into the background of the portrait. The young lady's face wears an expression of self-confidence and serenity.