The artwork “Cardinal Luis Maria de Borbon y Vallabriga” is a distinguished oil on canvas portrait created by the eminent artist Francisco Goya between the years 1798 and 1800. This painting, exemplifying the Romanticism art movement, measures 200 by 106 centimeters. It belongs to the genre of portraiture and is currently housed in the Museo de Arte de Sao Paulo (MASP) located in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The portrait depicts Cardinal Luis Maria de Borbon y Vallabriga in a full-length format, dressed in the ceremonial red vestments of his ecclesiastical rank, with a cape that falls gracefully over his shoulders and envelops his figure. His solace expression and the tranquil composure resonate with the introspective and subjective tendencies characteristic of the Romantic aesthetic. The richness of textiles is evident in the intricate lacework of his alb and the luxurious fabrics of his mozzetta and cassock. Adorned with ecclesiastical regalia, including a prominent pectoral cross and other decorations that signify his religious and social status, he cradles a book in one hand, suggesting intellect and learning.
Goya’s masterful use of subdued color and light accentuates the cardinal’s visage and the textures of his attire, against the dark, undefined background, focusing the viewer’s attention on the figure himself. This portrait is not just a representation of a religious figure but also a reflection of the societal and cultural nuances of the time.
