Bartolome Sureda Y Miserol Francisco Jose De Goya y Lucientes (1746-1828)

The portrait presents a gentleman in a relaxed, informal pose. He stands turned slightly towards the viewer, his body angled with one hand casually resting on his hip and the other holding a hat. The attire suggests a man of some means; he is dressed in a dark coat over a lighter-colored waistcoat, both garments exhibiting a tailored fit indicative of contemporary fashion. A white cravat adorns his neck, neatly tied but not overly formal.
The artist’s handling of light and shadow contributes significantly to the overall impression. The face is illuminated by a soft, diffused glow that highlights its features – high forehead, prominent nose, and a somewhat melancholic expression in the eyes. This lighting creates a sense of intimacy, as if the sitter were caught momentarily unaware. The background is rendered in deep, muted tones, almost entirely devoid of detail, which serves to isolate the figure and direct attention solely upon him.
The hat held in his hand introduces an element of spontaneity. It’s not presented with ceremonial precision but rather appears as a casual accessory, suggesting a man accustomed to both formality and ease. The posture itself conveys a certain confidence and self-assurance; he is not stiff or posed, but rather seems comfortable and at home within the scene.
Subtleties in the brushwork reveal an interest in capturing texture and nuance. The fabric of his clothing appears realistically rendered, with subtle variations in tone that suggest folds and movement. This attention to detail contributes to a sense of verisimilitude, grounding the portrait in a specific time and place.
The overall effect is one of quiet dignity combined with a hint of introspection. It’s not merely a depiction of physical appearance but also an attempt to convey something about the sitters character – perhaps suggesting a man of intellect, sensitivity, and a certain degree of world-weariness.