The artwork titled “Don Juan Antonio Cuervo” is a creation of the esteemed artist Francisco Goya, dating back to the year 1819. This oil on canvas portrait measures 120 by 87 centimeters and is a notable example of the Romanticism art movement. As a genre, it falls into the category of portraiture, encapsulating the distinct style and emotional depth characteristic of Goya’s work from this period.
In the artwork, the subject, Don Juan Antonio Cuervo, is depicted with an attentive gaze directed slightly to the viewer’s left. His visage conveys a sense of quiet dignity and intellect. The portrait shows him seated, with one arm resting on what appears to be a plan or drawing of a building, suggesting his profession or interest in architecture. His attire is formal and richly detailed, adorned with luxurious embroidery that is typical of the high-status attire of the era. The clothing’s intricate design and the use of gold tones contrast with the otherwise muted color palette predominated by blacks and grays.
Goya’s technique in this portrait is evident in the delicate rendering of the subject’s facial features, particularly the translucent quality of the skin, the interactive play of light and shadow, and the skillful depiction of the textures of fabric and hair. Although the background is sparse, it emphasizes the figure’s presence, making him the unequivocal focal point of the work. The interplay of realism in the subject’s portrayal and the emotional resonance in his expression is indicative of the Romanticism movement’s emphasis on personal sentiment and individual experience.
