Portrait of Archbishop Fernando de Valdés
- Artist: Diego Velázquez
- Date: 1640-5
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is the "Portrait of Archbishop Fernando de Valdés" painted by Diego Velázquez. The archbishop has an imposing stare, his black cloak making him appear larger than he really is. He's dressed in attire that suggests grandeur, and a matching bishop’s hat indicates his prestigious status within the Church. You can see the opulent red curtain trimmed with gold behind him, similar to the chair on which he sits.
Valdés was a prominent figure at the Spanish court of Philip IV, having been appointed Archbishop of Granada and President of the Council of Castile in 1633. He died in 1639, so this portrait is likely a posthumous one made during the 1640s. Some art historians believe it could be a fragment from a larger, full-length work.
Notice Velázquez's use of light and shadow to create depth and emphasize the archbishop’s grandeur. The grey beard and dark circles under his eyes suggest that this is a portrait from later in Valdés’ life and career. Overall, this painting gives us a glimpse into the power and prestige of the Spanish court during the 17th century.
See it in person
Portrait of Archbishop Fernando de Valdés hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
