The artwork “Portrait of a Cardinal (Probably Cardinal Don Fernando Niño de Guevara)” is an oil painting on canvas created by the artist El Greco around 1598 in Spain. It is rendered in the style of Mannerism, which is a phase of the Late Renaissance. This portrait measures 171 by 108 centimeters. The genre of the painting is a portrait, specifically showcasing a cardinal. The painting resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) in New York City, New York, United States.
The portrait displays an imposing figure dressed in the luxurious, vibrant red vestments of a cardinal. The subject is seated against a muted backdrop with sparse details, which helps to draw the viewer’s attention to the figure. The cardinal’s attire is meticulously depicted, with deep folds in the fabric that suggest weight and texture. The contrast between the rich reds and the more subdued tones of the background exemplifies the Mannerist attention to vivid color and complexity of form.
The cardinal’s facial expression is thoughtful and somber, with a penetrating gaze that directly engages viewers. His hands rest gracefully on the arms of his chair, adorned with fine lace details at the cuffs of his sleeves, suggesting his high status. The artist’s use of sharp light and shadow enhances the three-dimensionality of the figure and lends a dramatic intensity to the painting. El Greco’s distinctive elongated forms and emotional expression are evident in the cardinal’s elongated fingers and the stylized draping of his garments. Overall, the artwork conveys a powerful sense of character and presence, which is emblematic of El Greco’s unique approach to portraiture during the Mannerism movement.
