This picture shows a young girl in a very elaborate dress. Her arms are held out stiffly on each side, she wears large earrings and her abundant hair is partly dressed with a velvet snood. She stares boldly out of the picture, but there is a suggestion of a smile on her face. Margarita Teresa was a Spanish princess, favourite daughter of King Philip IV of Spain. She died when she was only 21. Her exaggerated dress and hairstyle are typical of the formal fashions worn at the King's court in mid 17th century Spain. Her appearance, captured here in paint, indicated high status – the importance, wealth and power of her family. Mazo was a close follower of Philip IV's Court Painter, Velázquez. This picture is a partial copy of a full-length portrait of Margarita Teresa by Velázquez which is now in the Museo del Prado in Madrid.