On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P03137
- Author
- Rubens, Peter Paul (Flemish)
- Title
- Equestrian Portrait of the Duke of Lerma
- Chronology
- 1603
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 283 cm x 200 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COMPRA
- Procedence
- Acquisition, 1969
Felipe III's favorite, Francisco de
Sandoval y Rojas, Marquis of Denia
and First Duke of Lerma is shown as
chief of the Spanish Armies.
Wearing half armor, he rides a
white steed and carries a ruler's
staff. The scallop of the Knights
of Saint James at his neck is the
only decorative element in this
portrait, whose decidedly military
orientation is reinforced by the
cavalry battle in the
background.
Made in 1603, during Rubens' first
visit to Spain, this work shows the
power and vigor of portraits from
his first period, and his capacity
to capture the model's personality.
Here he reflects the haughtiness
and pride of the Duke's powerful
political situation.
Basing his composition on Titian's
portait of Carlos V in Mühlberg,
Rubens depicts the duke facing
forward, advancing toward the
viewer. This creates a very Baroque
effect, which is multiplied by the
palm tree that frames the figure.
With this painting, Rubens created
a model for equestrian portraits
that would prove very influential
later on, especially in works by
Van Dyck and Gaspar de
Crayer.
After the Duke of Lerma fell from
grace, this painting entered the
Royal Collection, but was later
given to the Admiral of Castile by
Felipe IV. It passed through the
collections of several noblemen
before it was acquired by the Prado
Museum in 1969.
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