The artwork titled “Portrait of José Antonio, Marqués de Caballero” is an oil on canvas painting by the esteemed artist Francisco Goya created in the year 1807. It is a representative piece of the Romanticism movement, measuring 105.5 x 84 cm. As a genre, it falls under portraiture, which was a common form for artists to depict individuals during that era.
The artwork portrays an individual, presumably José Antonio, Marqués de Caballero, seated against a dark, neutral background that accentuates the figure. He faces the viewer with a direct gaze and a composed, yet firm expression. His attire is notably opulent, featuring a dark coat adorned with golden embroidery and numerous orders and medals, indicative of his high social status and achievements. The ribbons and sashes, richly embellished with intricate patterns, suggest that the subject held a significant position, possibly within a royal or military institution.
One hand is elegantly placed on his thigh, while the other gently holds a few pieces of paper, adding to the dignified air that surrounds him. The detail with which Goya executed the costume’s embroidery and decorations is meticulous, highlighting the prestige of the subject’s attire. Overall, the artwork conveys a sense of authority and refinement befitting a person of the Marqués’s standing.
