The artwork titled “Juan Bautista de Muguiro” is an oil on canvas portrait by the eminent artist Francisco Goya, completed in 1827 during the Romanticism movement. The dimensions of the portrait measure 103 by 84 centimeters. It currently resides in the Museo del Prado, located in Madrid, Spain, and falls within the genre of portraiture, a common form during the artist’s period.
The subject of the artwork is seated, depicted with a solemn demeanor. His face reflects a contemplative expression, with eyes that seem fixated beyond the canvas, suggesting a sense of introspection or concern. He is dressed in the fashion typical of the time, wearing a dark, formal coat with a high collar and a white cravat. In his hands, he holds what appears to be a letter or document, giving the impression of a man engaged in or pausing from intellectual or administrative pursuits. The background is relatively austere, with subdued colors and minimal detail, drawing focus to the figure and his attire. An inscription visible on the furniture alongside the figure is potentially a reference to the sitter or the context of the painting, a detail that personalizes the piece and indicates its historical significance. The palette is restrained, dominated by dark tones punctuated by the white of the cravat and the cream of the paper, creating an atmosphere of gravity and refinement consistent with the Romantic era’s emphasis on emotion and individual experience.
