Escalera spent many years successfully involved in the plate collector industry. Many of his themes were small, young children. After "retiring" from the plate industry, he elected to paint this piece, paying homage to the innocence of a little Mexican girl. She looks at us with such a calm stare, yet is holding on to the wooden column almost needing its security. “Muchacha" means young girl or young lady--with the "ita" making the word more affectionate or endearing. The title of the piece “Muchachita” provides the viewer with a lens of affection, with which the artist intended the painting to be viewed through.
 
-1990