The artwork titled “Duke of Alba” was created by the renowned Spanish artist Francisco Goya in 1795. This portrait is an oil painting on canvas and measures 195 by 126 centimeters. It exemplifies the Romanticism art movement and is currently housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain. As a genre, the painting is classified as a portrait, capturing not merely the likeness but also a sense of the sitter’s status and personality.
In the artwork, we observe a full-length portrait of the Duke, positioned beside a table or desk, projecting an air of confidence and authority. He is elegantly attired in a costume that is consistent with the fashion of the late 18th century, which includes a long, dark coat with a red velvet collar and a waistcoat that is richly decorated with a pattern. His breeches are of a light color, offering a striking contrast to the darker tones of his coat and the deep blue background.
His pose is commanding yet casual, with one hand resting on a sheaf of papers on the table, while the other presents an elaborately inscribed document to the viewer. His physical stance conveys his social standing and intellectual prowess. The use of chiaroscuro, the strong contrast between light and dark, imbues the scene with a dramatic quality, which is characteristic of the Romantic era’s aesthetic. The background is subdued, ensuring that the focus remains on the Duke’s figure and expression.
