On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P03236
- Author
- Goya y Lucientes, Francisco de (Spanish)
- Title
- Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos
- Chronology
- 1798
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 205 cm x 133 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COMPRA
- Procedence
- Acquisition, 1974
An example of the perfect
Enlightenment personage, Jovellanos
was equally interested in the arts
and sciences. In 1798 he became
Minister of Grace and Justice as
part of an ephemeral advanced and
reforming cabinet. In this
evocative and intimate portrait, he
is depicted sitting, leaning on a
table full of papers, with a
serene, intelligent and somewhat
melancholy gaze. He is soberly and
elegantly dressed and,
surprisingly, bears none of the
decorations, medals or honorific
sashes traditionally present in
portraits of public figures.
In the background, Minerva, goddess
of wisdom and the arts, extends her
protective arm towards him. She
rests on a shield with the coat of
arms of the Royal Asturian Nautical
and Mineralogical Institute, which
was one of Jovellano's most beloved
projects.
The folded paper bears the
painter's signature and the name of
the model.
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