On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P01480
- Author
- Dyck, Anton van (Flemish),
- Title
- The Cardinal-Infante Fernando de Austria
- Chronology
- Ca, 1634
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 107 cm x 106 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
Born to Felipe III in 1609, he was
named Cardinal at the age of ten
and was Governor of Flanders from
1634 until he died in Brussels in
1641. He is depicted more than half
length, with a sword and general's
staff in his hand. His red and gold
suit is the one he used for his
solemn entrance into Brussels as
Governor of the Low Countries in
1634.
The sumptuous curtains in the
background show that this was an
eminently official portrait. It is
very close to images of his
brother, Felipe IV, painted by
Velasquez around the same
time.
The treatment of the white collar
and ruff, the characteristic
brushstrokes marking the folds in
his clothing and sash, and the rich
golden tones of his suit are the
most outstanding elements of this
portraitl. These formal aspects
link it to other portraits from the
artist's period in Antwerp, before
his trip to England, where his
concept of this genre of painting
evolved.
Location on the map
