Look first
Ferdinand VII (1784–1833), When Prince of Asturias
Goya · ca. 1800
Ferdinand VII (1784–1833), When Prince of Asturias by Goya: Gift of René Fribourg, 1951
What to notice
Begin with the prince’s formal pose and embroidered clothing, then notice the restrained face and dark ground that keep royal display from becoming visually weightless.
Discover
Goya painted the future Ferdinand VII around 1800, when the sitter was Prince of Asturias. Formal pose and richly embroidered dress identify dynastic rank, while the restrained expression keeps the oil portrait focused on a particular young heir.
Source institution: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Rights status: Public Domain / The Met Open Access
Rights status: Public Domain / The Met Open Access
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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