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Notes

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Fernando de Valdés has an imposing stare. His black cloak – an expanse of plain, heavy fabric – makes him appear larger than he really is, and a matching bishop’s hat indicates his prestigious status within the Church. His clothing and the opulent red curtain trimmed with gold, like the chair on which he sits, suggest grandeur.

In 1633 Valdés was appointed Archbishop of Granada and President of the Council of Castile, after which he became a prominent figure at the Spanish court of Philip IV. His grey beard and the dark circles under his eyes show his age – we see him during the later stages of his life and career.

Valdés died in 1639. This is probably a posthumous portrait made during the 1640s, and could be a fragment from a larger, full-length work.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

Portrait of Archbishop Fernando de Valdés

Date

1640-5

Medium

Oil on canvas

Measurements

H 63.5 x W 59.6 cm

Accession number

NG6380

Acquisition method

Bought with a contribution from The Art Fund, 1967

Work type

Painting

The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

This venue is open to the public. Not all artworks are on display. If you want to see a particular artwork, please contact the venue.

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Artist or maker

Diego Velázquez

1599–1660

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