Goya y Lucientes, Francisco de – Carlos III, cazador Part 2 Prado Museum

The portrait presents a man in hunting attire, positioned against a landscape backdrop that recedes into atmospheric perspective. He stands with a confident posture, leaning slightly on a long-barreled firearm held in his right hand. His left arm is bent at the elbow, supporting a white handkerchief tucked into his sleeve. A large-brimmed hat adorns his head, casting shadows across his face and emphasizing the high forehead. The man’s expression is one of controlled amusement, with a slight upturn to the lips and a knowing glint in the eyes.
The artist has rendered the figures clothing with meticulous detail. A dark, tailored coat drapes over an elaborate waistcoat featuring gold embroidery. Blue ribbons and medals are visible at the throat, suggesting high rank or significant achievement. The breeches are tucked into knee-high boots, completing the hunting ensemble. At his feet lies a dog, seemingly relaxed and observant of its master’s surroundings.
The landscape behind the man is rendered in muted tones, with distant mountains barely discernible through a haze. A river winds through the valley below, adding depth to the composition. The overall effect is one of grandeur and authority, but also hints at a more personal, leisurely side of the subject.
Subtleties within the painting suggest layers of meaning beyond a simple depiction of a hunt. The deliberate placement of the firearm, not actively raised but held with ease, implies power and control rather than imminent action. The dog’s presence reinforces this sense of dominion over nature. The landscape itself, while beautiful, is somewhat indistinct, suggesting that the subjects influence extends beyond what can be readily seen or understood. Theres a certain formality to the pose, yet it avoids stiffness; the slight lean and relaxed hand holding the handkerchief introduce an element of informality that humanizes the figure. This combination of authority and approachability likely served to construct a specific image – one intended to project both strength and accessibility.