Don Gaspar de Guzmán (1587–1645), Count-Duke of Olivares

Juan Bautista Martínez del Mazo

Created:
Movement:
1660
Baroque
key Notes:
Baroque Portraiture, Aristocratic Authority
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Dimensions:
50 1/4 x 41 in. (127.6 x 104.1 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"Don Gaspar de Guzmán (1587–1645), Count-Duke of Olivares" is a portrait by Juan Bautista Martínez del Mazo, created around 1636 or later. The painting depicts Gaspar de Guzmán, a prominent Spanish statesman and the chief minister to King Philip IV of Spain. Martínez del Mazo was a pupil of Diego Velázquez, and his style reflects the influence of his teacher. The portrait captures Olivares in a formal pose, emphasizing his status and authority. The work is characterized by its rich color palette and attention to detail, particularly in the depiction of fabrics and textures. The exact date of creation remains uncertain, but it is believed to have been painted during Olivares's tenure as a key political figure. The painting is part of the collection at the Museo del Prado in Madrid.

Description of the work:

"Don Gaspar de Guzmán (1587–1645), Count-Duke of Olivares" by Juan Bautista Martínez del Mazo is an oil on canvas portrait that captures the figure of Olivares in a three-quarter pose. The composition emphasizes the subject's aristocratic stature, adorned in a richly detailed black costume with a white lace collar. The background features a muted palette, allowing the figure to stand out prominently. The use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and volume, enhancing the realism of the portrayal. The artist's brushwork demonstrates a meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the rendering of fabrics and textures. The expression of Olivares conveys a sense of authority and introspection, characteristic of the Baroque portraiture of the period. The overall composition reflects the social and political significance of the Count-Duke during his lifetime.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Don Gaspar de Guzmán (1587–1645), Count-Duke of Olivares