Goya y Lucientes, Francisco de (Copia) – Carlos IV, rey de España Part 5 Prado Museum

Here we see a formal portrait of a man in elaborate attire. He is positioned slightly off-center, facing towards the viewer but with his gaze directed just beyond the frame. The background is dark and undifferentiated, drawing all attention to the figure.
The subject’s clothing dominates the composition. A richly embroidered red coat, adorned with intricate patterns, conveys status and wealth. A blue sash or ribbon crosses his chest, bearing medals and insignia that signify rank and authority. The meticulous detail in rendering the fabric suggests a desire to showcase not only the mans position but also the craftsmanship of the garments themselves.
The artist has rendered the subject’s face with a degree of realism, capturing subtle details like wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, hinting at age and experience. His expression is somewhat neutral, perhaps intended to project an image of dignified composure rather than overt emotion. The powdered wig, a hallmark of the period, further reinforces his aristocratic identity.
The placement of the hand resting on what appears to be a draped object – possibly a table or a piece of furniture – introduces a sense of relaxed authority. It is not a gesture of power in the traditional sense (like holding a scepter), but rather one that suggests control and ease within his position.
Subtly, theres an element of informality introduced by the pose; he isn’t standing rigidly straight as might be expected in a more conventional portrait. This slight deviation from formality could suggest a desire to present him as approachable or relatable, despite his elevated status. The overall effect is one of carefully constructed grandeur, designed to project power and legitimacy while subtly softening the image with touches of human detail.